Major redevelopment scheme nears completion on key city road

A transformation project to improve a major route which connects Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and the city centre is nearing completion.

Work to improve the highway across a mile-long corridor spanning College Road Cleveland Road, Shirley Road and Regent Road, in Shelton, has been ongoing since August 2023.

As part of the scheme, a full carriageway reconstruction has been carried out - ensuring it’s fit-for-purpose for the next 20 years.

The improvements also include new pedestrian crossings, upgraded bus stops and shelters, enhanced lighting and planting, as well as a dedicated cycle lane north of Avenue Road.

The final section of the scheme – between Avenue Road Roundabout and Station Road – is scheduled for completion on Friday, 6 June, marking the final phase of this major redevelopment project.

Minor outstanding works—including snagging, signage installation, bus shelter works, and final commissioning of the bus lane—are expected to be completed during summer 2025.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I am pleased that the work on College Road is nearing completion and I’m hopeful that motorists and pedestrians will feel the benefit of these improvements when travelling around the city.

“Once complete, this transformative scheme will be a space that works for people – it will make it easier, safer and better for everyone to get around and will improve the city’s public transport links.

“We wanted to get the road opened up as quickly as possible and our teams will be getting on with the snagging works this week to minimise disruption.

“The Station Road scheme outside Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station continues under construction and I look forward to its completion later this summer.”

The redevelopment of College Road is part of the city council’s Transforming Cities Fund project which aims to help connect the railway station with the city centre and new developments such as Goods Yard, improve access for buses, pedestrians and cyclists, reduce congestion and improve safety at junctions.

The scheme will also promote a better experience for residents, commuters, visitors and students as they travel around the city – and encourage more sustainable travel by rail, bus cycling and walking.

It has been supported by £29 million from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund.

Overnight work to complete the final section of College Road is being carried out over the next week. This work – aside from any snagging works – will see the final road surface laid and new road markings installed. It will take place on:

• Monday 2 June to Friday 6 June – the Avenue Road roundabout will be closed between 8pm and 6am. There will be no access to the university car park during these hours.
• Thursday 5 June and Friday 6 June – All of the side street junctions leading to College Road, including Cauldon Road, Beresford Street, Seaford Street, Ashford Street and Queen Anne Street between 8pm and 6am.