From Wednesday 8 February, contractors will start implementing phase two of the pedestrianisation of Torbay Road, in time for half-term.
Works will take place during the evenings between Wednesday 8 and Friday 10 February, with the changes being fully operational by 6am on Saturday 11 February (subject to weather conditions).
The decision to revise the scheme from full pedestrianisation to a partial one, follows a recommendation made by Torbay Council’s Cabinet in January after considering a range of feedback.
Under phase two of the revised scheme, vehicles will be able to enter Torbay Road from Esplanade Road and drive up to the Queens Road junction, before turning either left onto Queens Road or right onto Garfield Road. Vehicles will still not be permitted to enter Torbay Road from the Hyde Road / Station Square junction.
Access limitations for deliveries to the area of Torbay Road from the Queens Road junction to Station Square will still be restricted to the hours of 6pm to 10am. Outside of these hours (10am to 6pm), the area is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.
On the lower end of Torbay Road two new loading bays, and a limited number of blue badge and general parking spaces will be introduced.
The programme for the implementation works will see contractors from SWISCo making changes to the current bollards, traffic separators and lining, before removing and refitting signage and relaying lines. Once all works are completed, the second phase will go live. Until the second phase is fully operational, access to the Bowling Club or Garfield Road car park will remain as it currently is.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said; “Since the decision was made in January, the project team have been working on a revised design and amending the necessary traffic orders. A partial pedestrianisation scheme was the second preferred choice during the public consultation exercise which took place in early 2022, and one that several traders indicated they would support in a recent survey. We will continue to keep the scheme under review and capture any feedback before a design is finalised for a permanent scheme.”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “After assessing what worked well and what could be improved during phase one, we’re pleased that phase two will be in place for half-term. The long-term vision for Paignton not only with this project, but all projects within the Future High Streets Programme is to make much needed improvements that encourage further inward investment and create a more diverse space.”
The Torbay Road project links to a similar public realm improvement project proposed for Station Square, which also forms part of the Future High Streets Programme. Under the proposals, Station Square will become the heart of the town centre with high-quality landscaping and seating, and will better connect Victoria Street, Torbay Road, and the seafront. The lane merger on Hyde Road accommodates a new bus stop and coach drop off point and filters traffic safely through the pedestrian friendly areas.
Torbay residents are also advised of other highways works taking place around the area from Monday 6 February. Although these works are not linked to the implementation of phase two of the Torbay Road pedestrianisation project, the works will have an impact on traffic movement in the area.
Between Monday 6 and Thursday 9 February, Parkside Road will be restricted to resident and emergency access only. General traffic will not be allowed to pass through during the works. This is to enable essential works to be carried out by Wales and West Utilities. Delivery drivers are reminded that access to Torbay Road for deliveries is between 6pm and 10am daily. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to introduce a diversion route during these works. Due to the narrow width of Parkside Road, it is not possible to carry out the works safely without closing the road to through traffic. Torbay Council would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst these works are undertaken.
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