Work begins on Chester bus interchange
Contractor Graham Construction has taken occupancy of the Gorse Stacks site and will shortly be erecting the site hoardings and accommodation, with road closures starting today to allow for water and gas diversions.
The £13.5m interchange is due to open in early 2017, enabling the closure of the existing bus interchange at Princess Street and paving the way for work to commence on the £300m Northgate development.
Graham will work alongside scheme architect Austin-Smith:Lord, transport engineer Mott MacDonald and council officers.
Some city centre roads will be affected by utility diversion work and the creation of temporary traffic lanes over the next few of months.
The loss of the 168 short stay parking spaces at Gorse Stacks will be offset by the new council-owned underground car park at Delamere Street which provides 351 spaces.
The bus interchange and associated public realm work improvements around Gorse Stacks are being financially supported by the Government’s Local Growth Fund which is administered by the Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.
Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “These essential road closures and traffic diversions have been carefully planned to minimise inconvenience as far as possible.
“However, some disruption is inevitable and we would like the thank motorists, local residents and businesses in advance for their patience and co-operation.
“Letters regarding the temporary road layouts will be issued regularly to local residents and businesses, and updates will be available on the Cheshire West & Chester Council website.”
