A scheme to rejuvenate Regent Circus and improve bus journeys through the town centre will start next week.
The work to create a continuous bus lane from the eastern end of Commercial Road through to Princes Street forms part of the Quality Bus Corridor between Wichelstowe and the town centre via Old Town and Mannington.
Changes to the road layout at Regent Circus will begin next Monday (26 March) and are expected to be complete in late spring.
The improvements to Regent Circus include widening and repaving of the existing footpaths on both sides of the road, new bus shelters, new and enhanced street lighting and the installation of soft landscaping in the shape of planters.
The scheme, which has been the subject of two public consultations, will also allow the Council to make improvements to the drainage in the area and resurface the existing carriageway.
Temporary bus stops will be provided further along Princes Street near the steps to the Wyvern Theatre while the work is being carried out.
Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Place, said: “Almost 40 buses use the Regent Circus stops every hour during peak times and this work will enhance the experience of bus users, while also upgrading the road network and public realm so it complements the recent regeneration of the local area.
“We ultimately want to encourage more people to use public transport and these bus corridor improvements will help improve the reliability of buses and create a seamless northbound bus priority link.”
Regular updates on the work will be provided in the Council’s Highways News e-newsletter. Residents can subscribe via: www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter
