Council Announces Next Phase of West Hull Road Improvements

Let's be honest, the word ‘roadworks’ doesn’t usually bring a smile to anyone's face. It often means diversions, delays, and a bit of a headache on the morning commute. But big changes are on the way for a key route in west Hull, and this time, the temporary disruption is all about long-term gain. Hull City Council has announced the next phase of a major improvement scheme for National Avenue and County Road North, designed to make journeys smoother, safer, and less stressful for everyone. This isn't just about patching up a few potholes; it's a full-on upgrade for a vital piece of the city's transport network, aiming to tackle that dreaded congestion and keep Hull moving.

So, what’s actually getting a makeover?

If you've ever been stuck in a queue of traffic at the National Avenue and County Road North junction, you’ll know it can be a bit of a bottleneck. This improvement scheme is designed to fix exactly that. The work is being handled by PBS Construction Limited, a Hull-based company that already successfully upgraded Endike Lane and the Cottingham Road/Hall Road roundabout. They know the area and are focused on getting the job done efficiently. The goal is to improve the flow of traffic, boost safety for all road users, and sort out wear and tear before it leads to bigger problems or accidents. Think of it as a proactive health check for the road infrastructure.

The list of upgrades is pretty comprehensive and focuses on making the area better for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s planned:

• Road and footpath resurfacing: A smoother, newer road surface makes for a much nicer drive and reduces the risk of damage to cars. Fresh footpaths also mean better safety for pedestrians.

• Cycle lane improvements: Better-defined and safer cycle lanes encourage more people to get on their bikes, which is great for health and the environment.

• Traffic signal alterations: The traffic lights are getting a bit of a brain upgrade to improve traffic flow and cut down on congestion, especially during rush hour.

• New kerbs: This might sound small, but new, well-defined kerbs are essential for drainage and road safety.

• Widening the pedestrian refuge island: More space for people waiting to cross the road means better safety, particularly for parents with pushchairs or those with mobility issues.

• New controlled crossing facilities: Making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross this busy road is a top priority.

The plan and the timeline

To make sure the work causes as little disruption as possible, the entire scheme has been broken down into three manageable chunks. Hull City Council and PBS Construction Limited have mapped out a clear schedule, though it’s worth remembering that outdoor work like this can be affected by bad weather. There will be road closures, but clear diversions will be in place to guide all road users. Keeping the public and the workers safe is the main reason for these temporary closures.

Here’s how the work is scheduled to unfold:

Phase 1 (Monday 30 March – Friday 24 April 2026):
During this first phase, National Avenue will be completely closed to all road users between the junction of County Road North and Bricknell Avenue. This initial closure is to allow the major groundwork to begin.

Phase 2 (Monday 6 April – Friday 24 April 2026):
Things get a bit more focused here. The footpath at the junction of County Road North and National Avenue will be closed for resurfacing. The road closure on National Avenue from Phase 1 will continue throughout this period.

But there’s a break! Between Saturday 25 April and Sunday 3 May, the junction will be open as normal for everyone, giving residents a pause from the roadworks.

Phase 3 (Monday 4 May – Friday 22 May 2026):
In the final phase of the scheme, there will be both road and footpath closures. Temporary traffic lights will be used to manage the flow of vehicles. A key thing to note is that the left turn from National Avenue onto County Road North will be closed. National Avenue itself will otherwise remain open, which should help minimise the disruption for many journeys.

Keeping everyone in the loop

Nobody likes being caught out by unexpected road closures. That's why good communication is a big part of this project. Residents and businesses in the immediate area have already received letters explaining the works, and Hull City Council and PBS Construction Limited will provide regular updates on the progress of the scheme. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated promptly, so people can plan their journeys around the disruption. Advance warning signs will also be put up before the roadworks begin, giving everyone a heads-up.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, who is responsible for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, understands that roadworks can be a pain. He highlighted how important this particular road is for the community in west Hull.

“Residents in west Hull have already seen the benefits of the improvements on Endike Lane and at the Cottingham and Hall Road roundabout, and this next phase will build on that progress. National Avenue and County Road North are key routes which people rely on every single day, whether it’s getting children to school, travelling to work, or visiting friends and family.”

“By improving this busy route, we aim to tackle wear and tear before it becomes a bigger problem, reducing the risk of accidents, and making journeys smoother and safer for everyone. We know that roadworks can be frustrating, especially on such key routes, and I want to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding. This work is all about supporting daily travel, ensuring safety, and keeping our city moving.”

The team carrying out the work is also committed to keeping the impact on daily life to a minimum. Glenn Smurthwaite, the managing director of PBS Construction Limited, added:

“We realise the importance of keeping this busy west Hull junction moving and we will aim to cause minimum disruption and look to create any efficiencies in the programme for the wider benefit.”