Work to rebuild a section of Western Road is due to start today, leading to more than a dozen bus routes being diverted for several weeks.
The stretch between Holland Road and Montpelier Road is set to be closed until November 6.
Pavements and businesses will still be open as usual, and three crossing points will allow people to cross the road while work takes place.
The road was initially set for a standard resurfacing, but a survey found it needed significantly more work.
Once complete, the road is also set to be marked with double red lines, which means vehicles can’t stop at any time and the council can enforce this via camera.
In a Facebook post, the council said: “We’re doing this work after the summer holidays and before Christmas to minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we carry out this essential work.”
The council’s cabinet voted to go ahead with the red route earlier this month. It is opposed by traders and disability campaigners, but supported by bus users and cycling groups.
A group of opposition councillors have called in the decision, which means it will now be discussed at another council meeting.
Death nail for any business…how useless is this council. Do only those who can’t find a proper job put themselves up to be councilors and the people as stupid to vote to vote for them… By
Yes, red route finally.
I love on western road and a red route will make life hell. All the business I talk to are against it. Residents are against it. There was no traffic flow problem.
I won’t be able to load my tools in and out of the van outside my house. I won’t be able to drop off the shopping. My partner is a chronically ill renal patient and some times needs picking up outside the house. This will no longer be possible. Starbucks has already shut down and they can afford to take a hit, not like all the local independent shops. And also I detest the Orwellian fine by camera that will be implemented. All that needed to happen was a road resurface because of the damage done by frequent heavy buses driving up and down western rd.
Was needed so many cars parked illegally especially in evenings.Buses struggling both sides to get past and cylists at risk
Since this whole 6 week road closure is the result of 15 years of Labour Council road maintenance neglect, the least they owe all affected traders is a full Business rate refund. There’s no point in paying Business rates for a trader forcibly handicapped in doing proper business. And their other costs and overheads remain the same.