Start date for dual carriageway preparatory work

Preparatory work to return a key road through Hull to a dual carriageway will begin in early April, the city council said.

Freetown Way was reduced to a single lane in each direction when cycle lanes were introduced in 2020, but critics argued the layout was "not a suitable solution".

Hull City Council said the work, which it previously said would start in February, would include footpath improvements and the provision of off-road cycle tracks.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "Residents told us that they wanted Freetown Way turned back to two lanes of traffic and that they wanted more off-road cycling facilities and that is exactly what we are doing."

According to the council, the scheme, which is part-funded by Active Travel England, would include new cycle-friendly junctions at Blundell's Corner and Witham, as well as Freetown Way's junctions with Wright Street, Charles Street, Caroline Street / Worship Street and George Street.

Footways on both sides of the road between Witham and Blundell's Corner would also be widened, a spokesperson said.

The first phase of works includes surface water drainage surveys, cross-carriageway ducting and the erection of advance signs.

Ieronimo said it was "vitally important" disruption was minimised during the work, especially given other ongoing schemes in the city.

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