A major project over 2010-2011 transformed one of the most important gateways into Leicester city centre. This involved replacing the former underpass between the top of Granby Street and the railway station with a ground-level 10-metre wide "supercrossing".
The scheme is now complete, and allows pedestrians, disabled users and cyclists to cross the ring road safely. The scheme
included narrowing of the ring road carriageways from three to two traffic
lanes; to include cycle lanes in both directions; narrowing of Granby Street to
improve pedestrian and cyclist facilities, tree planting to create a pleasant
and welcoming gateway effect; improved lighting and CCTV facilities; and
improved loading and parking facilities. The top section of Granby Street is now one-way towards the central ring road.
The Government’s New Growth Point (NGP) funding financed the £1.65m project. The work has been recognised with an award from the East Midlands Centre for Constructing the Built Environment (EMCBE). The scheme won the title in the infrastructure category of the awards.
Leicester's Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Rory Palmer, said: "This is great news. The Granby Street Gateway scheme helped breathe new life into one of the most important routes into the city for people arriving by train. This work has greatly improved the area for residents, businesses and visitors, and I am delighted that it has been recognised with this award".
Work started in May 2010; the underpass was filled in during July 2010, and the supercrossing works were substantially completed by December 2010.
View from the station towards the new crossing
View from Granby Street looking towards the station
