Drivers are being advised not to overtake cyclists within the active work area
PBS Construction is undertaking work from the east of Blundell’s Corner up to, and including, the Wright Street junction(Image: Hull City Council)
Construction work has started on a major transport scheme designed to restore two lanes of traffic in each direction on Freetown Way while introducing new, improved off-road cycling facilities. Work is now underway following Hull City Council’s appointment of local contractor PBS Construction last month.
Teams have begun excavation on the footway between Wright Street and Pryme Street to accommodate a new cycle track alongside reconstruction of the pavement. Workers are also removing the existing kerbline as part of road-widening efforts required to bring back dual-lane traffic in both directions.
To keep disruption for drivers and commuters to a minimum, the council and PBS Construction are delivering the project through a phased approach, focusing on one specific stretch at a time. Work during September and early October is being carried out under localised traffic management using narrow lanes.
Drivers are being advised not to overtake cyclists within the active work area. Due to ongoing footway construction, the southern pavement of Freetown Way between Pryme Street and Wright Street has been closed.
Access onto Freetown Way from Pryme Street is currently blocked, with a short pedestrian diversion operating via Wright Street. To ensure public safety, the signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Freetown Way at Pryme Street is also closed, with pedestrians directed to use the crossing at Charles Street instead.
This phase will take around two months and a brand-new crossing at Pryme Street is scheduled to open in early 2027. Over the coming months, PBS Construction will focus on the section running from the east of Blundell’s Corner up to and including the Wright Street junction.
Overall, it is anticipated this phase of works will take around six months to complete and will include revisions and new signals at Wright Street to incorporate new cycle facilities, a new off-carriageway cycle facility will be created, and footways will be reconstructed. There will also be carriageway alterations to accommodate two lanes of traffic.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Our residents have been clear what they want to see on Freetown Way – a return of two lanes of traffic in each direction and new off-road cycle facilities – and that is what is now being delivered. Freetown Way is an important route through the city, and we want it to work better for everyone who uses it, whether they are travelling by car, walking or cycling.
“We’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this work is undertaken. We want to assure motorists and the travelling public that we will do all we can to minimise any disruption.”
Glenn Smurthwaite, managing director of PBS Construction, said: “We are very pleased to be appointed as the principal contractor for this phase of what is a high-profile scheme within our home city. We intend to maximise the use of local labour and suppliers for the benefit of all involved and work in partnership with Hull City Council to deliver works in the most efficient manner and with the least amount of disruption as possible.”
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more, visit the Public Notices Portal.