Traffic alert as major roadworks start

MAJOR disruption is expected on one of the main routes in and out of Sheffield city centre over the coming months.

A multi-million pound project to improve Furnival Gate will be stepped up from Sunday, June 6 when the road will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Drivers who do not need to be in the area are advised to stay on the ring road rather than driving through the city centre along Eyre Street and Arundel Gate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Work has already been ongoing for a number of months on improvements to the road, which will involve reducing the size of the roundabout to create more space on the highway, installing four new pedestrian crossings and filling in the old subway at Moor Head.

John Bann, head of transport and highways at Sheffield Council, said: "We apologise for the disruption that will be caused and are trying to ensure motorists have ample warning.

"We will be putting out adverts via local radio stations as well as having variable messaging signs on main routes into the city so as many people as possible can avoid the area.

"We understand how frustrating it can be for motorists, but this is a significant scheme that once complete will improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and also help to attract investment to the area.

"Please bear with us while construction work continues."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A free breakdown and recovery service will be available while the restrictions are in place.

Work around Furnival Gate started in January and will continue until December, with lane closures and traffic management throughout.

The reduction to one lane in each direction aims to avoid disruption around the traffic rush at Christmas.

One of the main aspects of the project is the installation of "intelligent" pedestrian crossings at the roundabout, which can gauge whether or not people are actually using the crossings and manage the traffic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The crossings will also be nearer to the roundabout to avoid people crossing elsewhere.

This roadworks project has attracted more than 1m in funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

A spokesman for Sheffield Council said the improvements would "provide a setting to stimulate the redevelopment of this key gateway to the city centre retail area, around the Moor and future New Retail Quarter".

Meanwhile, a 2.9m scheme to replace paving materials on The Moor to "gold route" standard, similar to that used in the Peace Gardens and Barkers Pool, is nearing completion.