View the results of the Station Gyratory Public Space and Active Travel Improvements engagement exercise undertaken in February to March 2024.

Station Gyratory Improvements - Summary Public Engagement Report

Find out out more about our proposals for the Station Gyratory area and active travel corridors to the north and south.

Station Gyratory Aerial Sketch

Station Gyratory Improvements - Our Proposals

10/04/2024&nbsp;Site updated to show that the February-March 2024 engagement has taken place.12/02/2024 Site updated to clearly identify street names and cycle lane width on plans26/02/2024 Site updated to clearly identify traffic signals on Vehicle movement plan

Project Area

In early 2023 Shropshire Council, with the support of the <a href="https://shrewsburybigtownplan.org/">Big Town Plan Partnership</a>, secured funding from the Levelling Up Fund Round 2 (LUF2) to improve public space and provide walking and cycling improvements in Shrewsbury town centre. This includes the improvements around the Station Gyratory area which aim to ease movement through the area for visitors and users, improving accessibility and providing opportunities for placemaking that reflect the historic character of our town.The project is made up of three phases:&nbsp;<ol><li>Building on the work carried out on the <a href="https://shrewsburybigtownplan.org/projects/castle-street-vision-and-development-framework/">Castle Street Vision and Development Framework in 2019</a>, a new southern active travel corridor is proposed on Castle Gates and Castle Street to connect to the town centre.</li><li>A new northern active travel corridor is proposed to connect to Flaxmill Maltings via Castle Foregate, New Park Road and the existing Canal Path walking and cycling route.</li><li>Improvements to the Gyratory area, which sits at the centre of the proposals, to reorganise space with changes to the road layout to allow for a north-south active travel route past the station, as well as walking and public space improvements including more greenery and street seating.&nbsp;</li></ol><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1707755031/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/qpj05izumiqn0erefglq.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 800px;" alt="Map showing the proposed projects in Shrewsbury Town Centre." data-uw-rm-alt-original="Map showing the proposed projects in Shrewsbury Town Centre.">The map shows the Station Gyratory Improvements and Smithfield Riverside Project areas. The map shows the route for the 3.2km north-south active travel corridor that goes past Shrewsbury railway station. The proposals include:<ul><li>A proposed 2-.0m - 3.0m wide two-way cycleway on Castle Foregate to link to New Park Road which is a 20mph zone shared space. This connects to the existing 2.7m cycleway on the Canal Path.</li><li>A proposed 2.0 - 2.5m wide two-way cycle lane on Castle Gates up to Meadow Place.</li><li>A proposed 2.0 - 2.5m wide two-way on-carriageway cycle lane on Castle Street up to Windsor Place. This route is subject to further design development and engagement.</li></ul>The Smithfield Riverside project (also LUF2 funded) is located next to the Station Gyratory and was consulted on in February to March 2024, focused on the area between The Darwin Centre, Roushill and the River Severn, at the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. View more information on these proposals on the Smithfield Riverside <a href="https://www.smithfieldriverside.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">project website</a>.

The proposed development area includes the Station Gyratory next to Shrewsbury railway station, connecting Castle Foregate (A5191), Chester Street (A528) and Smithfield Road (A458), and the active travel corridors to the north and south.

Our proposals include&nbsp;upgrading existing and introducing new infrastructure&nbsp;to promote walking and cycling in Shrewsbury.&nbsp;These include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Safer pedestrian crossing points, wider pavements and cleaner viaduct spaces making it easier to walk in the area</li><li>A new cycleway integrating with northern and southern active travel corridors to improve connectivity between Flaxmill Maltings, the railway station and town centre</li><li>New public space features, creating places for pause and rest&nbsp;</li><li>Greener streets and spaces that promote and preserve local biodiversity&nbsp;</li><li>Improving key junctions and access routes into and out of the Station Gyratory area&nbsp;</li></ul>

The proposed changes aim to:&nbsp;ACTIVE TRAVEL<ul><li>Improve cycling facilities and routes to connect with the wider cycle network identified within The Shrewsbury Big Town Plan&nbsp;</li><li>Provide more space for walking and cycling to make it easier for people to walk and cycle into the town centre</li></ul>VEHICLE MOVEMENT<ul><li>Minimise traffic throughout the Station Gyratory area by reviewing and making adjustments to key transport routes&nbsp;</li><li>Improve safety by reducing vehicle speeds and upgrading key junctions&nbsp;</li></ul>SUSTAINABILITY<ul><li>Promote street greening throughout the area and seek opportunities for biodiversity enhancements&nbsp;</li><li>Improve air quality within the Station Gyratory area through a reduction in traffic and increased planting throughout the area&nbsp;</li></ul>PLACEMAKING<ul><li>Create a more welcoming environment for this area and creating rest areas and places to pause within the area</li><li>Identify future opportunities for the introduction of public art&nbsp;</li></ul>

Detailed Plan of Proposed Improvements

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1707755121/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/aczbwysgcppxd0msbfxd.jpg" alt="Map showing the proposed development area for the Station Gyratory and the north-south active travel corridor" id="isPasted" class="fr-fic fr-dii" data-uw-rm-alt-original="Map showing the proposed development area for the Station Gyratory and the north-south active travel corridor">Map showing proposed plan for the Station Gyratory area and north-south active travel corridor, including:&nbsp;<ul><li>A 2-way segregated cycleway (3 metres wide) on Castle Foregate, narrowing to 2 metres in the north</li><li>There is proposed a short section of shared footway/cycle way on Castle Foregate to connect to the on-road cycle lane on New Park Road. This is supported by a possible new crossing point and provides a connection to Canal Path</li><li>There is potential loss of on-street parking on Castle Foregate, subject to further engagement</li><li>Castle Gates and Castle Street will remain one-way to traffic with the bus lane replaced by a new 2-way segregated cycleway (2 - 2.5 metres wide)&nbsp;</li><li>The loading bay locations on Castle Street are subject to further engagement with businesses</li></ul>

Movement - Walking Proposals

The proposed changes for walking movement aim to increase active travel, prioritise safety and ease of movement across key junctions, and improve accessibility into and out of the Station Gyratory area. There will be wider pavements, new signalised crossings and benches. The reduction of traffic and addition of a footpath along the southern edge of Cross Street will make this a better, safer route for pedestrians.&nbsp; Map showing proposals for walking movement in the Station Gyratory area<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1707755276/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/okgl9qmbaxkp2blue3s3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 1000px;" alt="Map showing the proposals for wakling movement in the Station Gyratory area.">The proposals include:&nbsp;<ul><li>A new footpath along the southern edge of Cross Street, passing under the viaduct</li><li>Widening existing pavements outside the railway station</li><li>Informal crossings at the entrance and exit to the Shrewsbury Station car park</li><li>New public benches and seating throughout the area</li><li>New on-street planting on Chester Street to provide a buffer from vehicles&nbsp;</li><li>New signalised crossings</li></ul>

Before and After Location Plan - Smithfield Road and Chester Street Junction

View is from the junction of Smithfield Road and Chester Street. The view faces east towards Shrewsbury Castle and outlines the key changes to the junction, additional street greening and new public spaces proposed to the south of the Station Gyratory.&nbsp;

Movement - Cycling Proposals

The proposals for cycling movement aim to encourage active travel and improve accessibility for cyclists throughout the Station Gyratory area. These changes align with the Shrewsbury Movement and Public Space Strategy to link with proposals for movement routes within the wider area, both to and across Shrewsbury.

As part of the Station Gyratory Public Space and Active Travel Improvements project we will introduce two new cycle routes to the north and south of the scheme via new active travel corridors along Castle Foregate (north of the Station) and Castle Gates and Castle Street (south of the Station towards the town centre).&nbsp;

Map showing proposals for cycling movement in the Station Gyratory area<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1707755294/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/khbzzngw8vdcjyi2wb9u.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 1000px;" alt="Map showing the proposals for cycling movement in the Station Gyratory area.">The proposals include:&nbsp;<ul><li>A new 2-way segregated cycle track on Castle Foregate. This will continue south on Castle Foregate via Castle Gates and Castle Street. It will also connect to the northern corridor via Castle Foregate.</li><li>New cycle parking spaces outside Shrewsbury railway station</li><li>On-road cycle route on Smithfield Road and improvements to junctions&nbsp;</li><li>The Chester Street cycle route is to be relocated from shared footway to on-road. Cycling is to be integrated with traffic within the new 20mph zone</li></ul>

Before and After Location Plan - Castle Foregate, Cross Street and Howard Street Junction

View is from the northern junction between Castle Foregate, Cross Street and Howard Street. View faces south along Castle Foregate and shows the proposed junction improvements, reduction of the existing vehicle movement to single lane traffic (as shown on the vehicle proposals plan) and addition of the new 2-way segregated cycle track.

Movement - Vehicle Proposals

The proposed improvements and changes for vehicles movement aim to ease congestion and enhance safety for all users throughout the Station Gyratory area. A new 20mph speed limit is to be proposed throughout the Station Gyratory area to reduce vehicle speeds and further improve safety for walking and cycling movement. Our proposals include reconfiguring vehicle movement in line with the overall vision for Shrewsbury indicated within the Big Town Plan.&nbsp;

Traffic modelling summaryWe have modelled the existing and forecast vehicle movements in the Gyratory area across weekday and weekend peak rush hours. Based on 2023 surveyed flows our proposals improve the operation of the two Cross Street junctions (with Chester Street and Castle Foregate). The introduction of traffic lights will introduce some additional delay to vehicle movements at other junctions around the Gyratory. However, the overall total current delays on the Gyratory are forecast to reduce during peak periods with the reduction in through-traffic in the town centre associated with the opening of the North West Relief Road, other infrastructure improvements and the proposals for the Gyratory.&nbsp;

Map showing proposals for vehicle movement in the Station Gyratory area <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1708941016/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/vion5u9wcs1ovmprb7d6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 1000px;" alt="Map showing the proposals for vehicle movement in the Station Gyratory Area.">

The proposals include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Cross Street will be changed to a single lane of traffic and will be left-turn only onto Castle Foregate and ahead-only onto Howard Street</li><li>Castle Foregate (A5191) to be changed to single lane southbound traffic</li><li>Bus stops and loading bays will be relocated close to existing locations. A new bus stop island will be added to the existing bus stop on Castle Foregate.</li><li>There will be improvements to key junctions and a new 20mph speed limit is to be implemented throughout the Station Gyratory area</li><li>Chester Street (A528) to be changed to a two-way traffic route, re-directing vehicles away from the front of Shrewsbury railway station</li><li>The southbound lane will remain on Castle Gates and Castle Street, with the bus lane removed to make space for the southern cycle route</li><li id="isPasted">The current exit-only from the station will be changed to an entrance-only route. The current entrance-only on Castle Foregate will be changed to a two-way entrance and exit route.</li><li>A new signal-controlled junction on Smithfield Road will allow for entry to the Station car park (as well as the right-turn onto Castle Gates)</li></ul>

Before and After Location Plan - Cross Street and Chester Street Junction

View is from the corner of Cross Street and faces south along Chester Street. The view shows the proposed junction improvements, street greening along and conversion of Chester Street to a 2-way traffic route.

Public Space Proposals

The proposed improvements and changes to public space aim to improve public safety throughout the Station Gyratory area and&nbsp;celebrate the local character of our historic town centre. The area will be greener and less polluted, making it more welcoming for those visiting Shrewsbury by rail, as well as more appealing for commuters using the railway station. Map showing proposals for public space in the Station Gyratory area<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1707755776/projects/658068c42ff66d595fa9182d/fpiekydr8vexlhbebdga.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 1000px;" alt="Maps showing proposals for public space in the Station Gyratory area. ">The proposals include:<ul><li>The opportunity for new public art installations</li><li>A new feature space for people to rest and enjoy the area, including trees, cycle facilities and seating</li><li>Street trees and planting throughout the area</li><li>Cleaner viaduct tunnels with new pavement to make walking more pleasant</li></ul>

Before and After Location Plan - Castle Gates and Smithfield Road Junction

View is from the southern end of Castle Gates at the junction with Smithfield Road and faces north along Castle Gates. The view demonstrates the proposed junction improvements and accessibility by Shrewsbury railway station, the reduction of Castle Gates to single lane traffic, the introduction of the new 2-way cycle track and the proposed street greening and public space improvements.&nbsp;

We want to hear your views on our proposals for the Station Gyratory Improvements

Share your views

Station Gyratory Improvements - Questionnaire

We invited comments on the proposals for the Station Gyratory Public Space and Active Travel Improvements between 6 February and 5 March 2024, and received over 400 responses.Our engagement included in-person events at St Mary&#39;s Church in Shrewsbury on Thursday 8 February, Friday 9 February and Saturday 10 February.

Thank you for your time to complete this questionnaire. Your thoughts and feedback are extremely important to us. Please click the &quot;Next&quot; button below to proceed with submitting your contribution.If you have any further questions, please email: customer.service@shropshire.gov.uk&nbsp;

Station Gyratory Improvements - Summary Public Engagement Report

Station Gyratory Improvements - Our Public Engagement Summary Report

Download the Public Engagement Summary Report for the Station Gyratory Public Space and Active Travel Improvements proposals

This engagement phase has finished

...

...