As part of the Transforming Cities Fund project, traffic signals at Pentagon Island will be overhauled with smart, low voltage LED traffic lights to automatically prioritise busses. Cyclists and pedestrians will also benefit from improved crossings around the roundabout.
Starting on Wednesday 25 August, work will get underway to replace existing traffic signals whilst also replacing all the pedestrian and cyclist crossing points. The new crossing points will also benefit the ongoing improvements to cycling infrastructure on Chequers Road.
During the works, a set of sophisticated temporary traffic signals will be in place that emulate the current traffic signals to reduce congestion around the site. At times, lane closures will be needed but these will only take place during off peak hours (9.30am – 3.30pm and 8.00pm – 6.00am). Pedestrian and cyclist access around the site will be maintained at all times.
It is expected that the work will take 20 weeks to complete with the aim of having the new traffic signals operational before Christmas. Work will be completed by Derby City Council’s own in-house team with an expected cost of £550k.
The aim of the Transforming Cities Fund Project is to improve sustainable means of transport across Derby and provide transport choices to reduce the dependency on the private car and improve the associated infrastructure. The refurbishment of the signalised crossings at the Pentagon Island meets the Council’s obligations under the Traffic Management Act 2004 to provide safe crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians, while also introducing smart technology to allow for automated bus priority.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport commented:
“The key aim of the Transforming Cities Fund Project is to encourage residents to opt for sustainable transport methods like cycling or using public transport. These works are a key part of improving public transport journeys both in the city and to our neighbours in Nottingham.
Throughout the work, teams will be working hard to ensure that any disruption to traffic is kept to a minimum.”
The improvement scheme forms part of the £161m joint bid with Nottingham City Council to the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is aimed at improving connections between major employment sites and promoting active travel and public transport.