Congestion reduction set for users of Metz Way to Abbeymead Avenue

Last week, the GFirst LEP Board approved the business case for transport improvements to the Metz Way to Abbeymead Avenue area of Gloucester.

The £1.6 million scheme funded by GFirst LEP and Gloucestershire County Council is designed to improve travel along the corridor for all users, reducing congestion and improving access for cyclists and pedestrians.  

The £1.6 million infrastructure improvements consist of a series of junction, cycle and walking links along the length of the A4302 Metz Way to Abbeymead Avenue. The aim of the project is to reduce congestion on the stretch of road, resulting in reduced traffic queues, better bus reliability, upgraded technology for existing traffic signals and new facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Some exciting features of the scheme include a dedicated lane for cyclists, which will be off the road to separate cyclists from mainline traffic flows, designed to improve road safety. Pedestrians will also benefit with the addition of Toucan pedestrian crossing technology.

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, commented: “The £500,000 from the Gloucestershire Growth Deal funding allocated to the road improvements is set to ease the traffic for local residents and those travelling around the city. The Growth Deal funding is contributing towards strengthening our local economy, so it’s great to see improvements to infrastructure and road links helping to keep people moving throughout the county.”

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Following on from the success of the C&G and Walls roundabout improvements, and the current work taking place at Elmbridge Court, this new scheme continues our work to help the county moving easier and grow economic development. “

“The work will help reduce congestion and keep traffic moving from the city centre onwards to Abbeymead, Abbeydale, Coney Hill and Coopers Edge. The scheme will also see improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and buses to encourage more people to use sustainable transport and reduce congestion.  Finally, the work will allow the county council to make improvements to the safety of the road for cyclists and pedestrians. I look forward to seeing the work begin and more improvements to our counties road infrastructure.”