Temporary changes introduced to the road layout in Exeter's Queen Street

Published: 16 February 2021

Temporary changes have been introduced to the road layout in Queen Street in Exeter.

The Devon County Council scheme is supporting efforts to encourage safe walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic as part of the Government’s Active Travel Fund initiative.

The road has been made one-way (eastbound) between Paul Street and Northernhay Street where it has been narrowed to a single lane of traffic.

The revised layout of Queen Street provides more space for pedestrians on the narrowest section, enabling social distancing to take place in one of the highest areas of footfall in the city.

Iron Bridge has also been made one-way westbound from Paul Street to South of Dinham Road.

Temporary signals have been installed in Northernhay Street and the junction of Queen Street / Paul Street to enable two-way access for buses, taxis and cyclists.

Cyclists are also able to cycle in both directions on Iron Bridge.

Service vehicles can still access Upper Paul Street and Queen Street South, but vehicle access from Paul Street is no longer allowed.

The temporary scheme was initially planned to coincide with the start of the academic year in January, but was deferred following the announcement of the current national lockdown.

Although schools are not expected to return until next month, the new layout has been introduced while traffic levels are lower to give people chance to get used to the changes before students return to Exeter College and travel demand increases.