Work on a road link so that more buses can reach Pool Meadow bus station is set to start this weekend.

In March 2006 buses will be able to pass under the Whittle Arch travelling between Fairfax Street (outside Pool Meadow Bus Station entrance) and Hales Street.

Work starts at 11pm on Saturday 15 October until 6am on Monday 17 October when block paving will be removed from a section under the Whittle Arch.  The paving will then be used at a nearby landscaping project.

A temporary access road will be in use at the corner of Hales Street and Trinity Street during the works to maintain traffic flow.

Last year thousands of people signed a petition calling for the bus station to stay open and council leaders responded by approving plans for a bus and cycle lane under the arch.  

This new bus access road will make the bus station more accessible allowing it to cater for over 100 buses an hour. Bus operators had previously been reluctant to use Pool Meadow.

Centro and the City Council are funding the scheme, which will now secure the future of the city centre bus station.

A temporary diversion will be clearly displayed and bus operators are aware of the plans.

On Monday 24 October further work will start. Temporary traffic lights will be put at the Bishop Street/Corporation Street junction so that new signal ducts can be created.  The existing pedestrian crossing at Millennium Place will also be removed and new kerbs introduced.

Keith Hadley, Operations Director, Travel Coventry, said: "The new road link will only be 20 metres long but its impact will be vital for Pool Meadow Bus Station. People who rely on public transport will be the beneficiaries and we want to work with the City Council and its contractors to ensure that the work causes little disruption." 

Duncan Elliott, the Council's head of projects, said: "We've sent letters to local businesses and residents and will be liaising with those in the most immediate area so that they are affected as little as possible during the work.

"The new bus route should be completed by March 2006."

Cllr Ken Taylor said: "We're responding to the views of residents. In the long term the future of Pool Meadow bus station will be secure as a result of this partnership project with Centro."

The scheme will cost £900,000 and will be funded by Centro and the City Council.