The transformation of a city centre dual carriageway in Peterborough into a pedestrian and cyclist friendly tree-lined boulevard will begin at the end of this month.

Once completed, the new Bourges Boulevard will have a widened central reserve with around 30 lime trees, each up to 10 metres tall. In addition, there will be two 10 metre-wide pedestrian signalled crossings between Crescent Bridge roundabout and Bright Street roundabout to improve access to the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists.

Traffic from the railway station will also be able to turn right out of Station Road for the first time with traffic lights introduced at the junction.

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Eurovia Contracting (North) has been appointed to complete the works, which are expected to cost in the region of £4.5 million.

Whilst the works are taking place traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

Work will cease from November until the new year so that the busy Christmas shopping period is unaffected by the works.

Access to the Queensgate car parks and the train station will be maintained for the duration of the works.

Simon Machen, Director of Growth and Regeneration for Peterborough City Council, said: "The existing Bourges Boulevard is currently a barrier to movement in the city centre. The new scheme will create a proper gateway for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It will also unlock the potential of the station quarter, where work will begin soon on a new larger Waitrose store, and a number of other developments that the city has struggled to get off the ground, making them far more attractive to potential investors.

"We appreciate that there will be delays for motorists during the construction phase and we apologise in advance for this, however we will do all that we can to reduce the impact. Crucially, we will be downing tools and reopening both lanes in both directions from November until the new year so the busy Christmas period is unaffected."

(CD/MH)