Hull City Council has announced that the Wright Street junction with Freetown Way will close to traffic starting Monday, October 19, 2026. It will remain shut until March 2027. This five-month closure forms a critical part of a major road improvement scheme designed to restore two traffic lanes in each direction. It will also enhance facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Freetown Way project addresses long-standing congestion concerns. Sections of the road were reduced to a single lane in each direction when cycle lanes were introduced in 2020. Local critics argued that the previous layout was unsuitable for the city’s traffic volume. The current investment aims to balance motorist needs with updated, dedicated off-road cycling infrastructure.
Diversion Routes and Traffic Management
To mitigate travel disruption during the junction closure, Hull City Council has confirmed signed diversion routes for motorists:
- Standard traffic will follow a signed diversion via George Street, Bond Street, and Albion Street.
- Vehicles turning left into Wright Street will be directed via Ferensway, Spencer Street, and Prospect Street.
- Narrow lanes will remain operational on Freetown Way to help maintain traffic flow around active work zones.
Motorists are strictly advised not to overtake cyclists within the active work areas. Pedestrians must also follow localized diversions because the southern footway of Freetown Way from Pryme Street to Wright Street remains closed. Walkers are urged to use signal-controlled crossing points at Blundell’s Corner and Charles Street.
Project Background and Next Steps
The closure of the Wright Street junction marks the next phase of construction following work that began in September 2026. Hull-based contractor PBS Construction has handled the initial stages. Their work focuses on excavating the southern footway between Wright Street and Pryme Street, preparing carriageways, and installing new drainage connections and kerb lines.
“Freetown Way is one of the city’s key routes, and this investment will restore two lanes of traffic in each direction while also providing improved facilities for people walking and cycling,” said Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure. “We recognise that closing Wright Street while this work takes place will cause some disruption… and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and everyone travelling through the area for their patience.”
Construction is progressing on the section running from east of Blundell’s Corner up to and including the Wright Street junction. Later in the month, the council will begin inviting contractors to bid for the remaining phases of the overall scheme. A contractor for the final parts of the project is anticipated to be appointed early in the New Year. A brand-new pedestrian crossing at Pryme Street is scheduled to open in early 2027.
