With work progressing well, Brighton & Hove Council has planned to reopen Western Road to eastbound buses ahead of schedule, ending the need to divert them.

Working with the contractor, the council said it is confident the earlier reopening can be achieved on or before Monday 14 August.

The roadworks on Upper North Street are scheduled to end today.

The council will be removing and replacing the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) which currently allows buses to use Upper North Street. This is expected to come into place on 27 July and mean that buses will no longer be diverted via Upper North Street. 

There will be a short period before the new TTRO comes into effect but the council has it understands that bus operators are not intending to use Upper North Street during that period.

Although Western Road will be reopened, work will continue until next year to improve the look and feel of this popular shopping area of the city. The expected schedule is as follows: 

• August to December 2023: Remaining pavement and road resurfacing work between Montpelier Road and Churchill Square 
• January to June 2024: Redesign of junction with Dyke Road and work opposite Churchill Square 

While the council expect’s work to be finished by June 2024, this may be subject to change.

Leader of the Council Bella Sankey said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring forward the reopening of Western Road ahead of schedule.

“We know the diversion has been disruptive for the residents and bus passengers and I’d like to thank them for their patience during the work. 

“The improvements to Western Road are already beginning to take shape and I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished result for this very busy part of the city.”