Works are set to start on transforming Station Road and College Road, in Stoke, creating a safe and attractive travel route between Stoke-on-Trent station and the city centre.

This work will encourage more sustainable travel by rail, bus, cycling and walking, said the council.

The £29m Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, will improve access for buses, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety at junctions. Dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians will encourage ‘Active Travel’ in a pleasant and healthier environment along this route that stretches just over a mile and includes Station Road, College Road, Cleveland Road, Regent Road and Lower Bethesda Street.

Work is due to start this Autumn:

• College Road works are planned to start in October 2023 for approximately 16 months. This will provide an improved route connecting the City Centre Bus Station with the rail station.
• Station Road works are planned to start in January 2024 for approximately 12 months. This will improve access to and from the rail station for all station users, including commuters.

Inevitably this work will cause some disruption, but it will be done in phases with appropriate traffic management in place to minimise impact to travellers and local community. We’re warning people as much in advance as possible, and will be providing more information ahead of each phase of work.

This is a key route for commuters and visitors arriving in the city by train and bus. It will help people navigate the way to and from the city centre, provide better access to the station and link new developments such as the Goods Yard neighbourhood, currently in construction next to the station.

Public realm works along Station Road will enhance the stunning Grade ll* Listed station building and provide a sense of arrival. Along Station Road and College Road, there’ll be priority access for buses and taxis, reducing traffic flow, with new bus stops and shelters. Road widths will be reduced allowing more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The carriageway will be reconstructed and resurfaced, with new crossing facilities, improved lighting and planting.

The environmental and access improvements will benefit thousands of students who study and live in the area as well as those regularly travelling into the city to attend classes.

Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Planning, Climate Change and Regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is a critical route for the city, linking the station to the city centre and bus station. The improvements will make a big difference to commuters, visitors and students as they move around the city.

“We hope that by creating a more attractive environment and easier access that more people will be encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport for a healthier city and to support healthier lifestyles.

“There’ll be some disruption in the making. However, once completed, the enhanced local environment will benefit residents, bring a boost to local businesses, be more welcoming to students and support a thriving local economy where people want to live, study and work.”

Civil engineering contractor Galliford Try has been appointed by the council to deliver the work and we’re working in partnership with Network Rail and Avanti West Coast – the train operating company.

The work follows a period of stakeholder consultation completed in 2022 responding to local knowledge and concerns which were addressed in the detailed design phase.