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North Somerset Council and First Bus have worked together this week to agree some additional measures which will enable the hub to operate safely for all users. A number of practical low-cost measures have now been put in place including additional road markings and signage.
Independent safety checks have been carried out at the bus interchange this afternoon and all parties are now satisfied that the hub can open on Sunday.
Cllr Don Davies, Leader of the Council and executive member for public transport said: "Public safety is paramount, so it's important that we have allowed a few extra days this week to put in place additional practical measures to enable all users to move around the area safely.
"Thank you to everyone involved. I'm really pleased that this swift response means the new hub can open this weekend."
Chris Hanson, First West of England Operations Director, said: “The safety of our customers and drivers is our highest priority so we are very pleased that, in collaboration with North Somerset Council, these additional measures have been quickly put in place.
“The Hub will offer our customers a much enhanced travelling experience, in particular improving safe access to both the town centre and the seafront. It’s a very welcome contribution to the town.“
The new bus hub is part of a wider programme of town centre improvements to improve economic activity and reduce the volume of traffic in the town centre while making pedestrian access and bus travel simpler. Other improvements include:
- wider pavements to allow pedestrians a safer and easier route to and from the seafront
- an improved entrance into the town centre
- the removal of the double mini roundabout near the Town Hall, encouraging traffic straight through to the seafront
- a new pedestrian crossing and road resurfacing on Walliscote Road
- a pedestrian zone on Regent Street, reducing the impact of lorries in the daytime, with loading times and dedicated loading bays on the outskirts of the pedestrian zone
- resurfacing on Alexandra Parade, Regent Street (East) and Walliscote Road.
ENDS