Easton Street and Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe to become two-way roads on Wed 29th May 2019

Easton Street and Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe will become two-way roads from the early hours of Wednesday 29th May 2019.

In preparation for the introduction of the two-way system contractors will need to lay new road surfaces, paint white lines and install sensors for new traffic lights. This means the roads will be closed overnight from 8.00pm to 6.00am for six nights from Tuesday 7th May 2019 until the morning of Monday 13th May 2019. Advance notice signs about night-time closures are already being displayed in the affected area.

It will be the first time in more than 40 years that the roads allowed two-way traffic. The new road layout aims to improve north-south journey times.

The High Street crossroads and the Easton Street exit on to Abbey Way have been remodelled to allow two-way traffic and traffic lights will synchronise with signals further up Crendon Street and in London Road.

The new arrangement allows traffic to travel straight on and make left turns, however it prohibits right turns from Queen Victoria Road into Easton Street.

Costing £3.7 million the scheme is part of a £15m town centre ‘Masterplan’ which aims to make the centre of High Wycombe more attractive for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Leader and Transport Cabinet Member said the changeover is planned for school half-term holiday as traffic will be lighter.

‘We’re on the home straight of this two-way traffic scheme to improve the look of the area and to make it better for those who use the roads through the busy town centre,‘ said Mark. ‘I’m really grateful to residents and businesses for bearing with us throughout the works.‘

David Johncock, Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, said: ‘Queen Victoria Road and Easton Street haven’t seen a change like this for about 40 years and we want to make sure that motorists and pedestrians are prepared for the two way traffic on these roads. So we’re asking you to start thinking now about what your new route around these roads will be from Wednesday 29 May.‘

Richard Harrington, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, said: ‘We are delighted to see this BTVLEP supported scheme near completion, which aims to improve the road infrastructure in High Wycombe. Part of the High Wycombe Town Centre Masterplan, this road improvement plays a key component in providing resilience for the town centre as an attractive focus for employment, shopping and leisure activities.‘

The High Wycombe Town Centre Masterplan is jointly funded by BTVLEP, Wycombe District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council.