A new Preston road layout has been revealed as the bus gate is due to open later this year.

The Corporation Street stretch of bus-only road aims to increase bus reliability, reduce congestion and encourage more people to use public transport.

Update: Confirmation of when Corporation Street bus gate cameras are switched on

A map has been released which shows how travel routes will be changed due to the new bus gate along with Friargate’s pedestrianisation.

Corporation Street between Marsh Lane and Heatley Street will have restricted access, 24 hours a day, except for buses, cycles and taxis, with the adjacent part of Friargate pedestrianised.

The bus gate was announced in February last year, following a formal consultation period in 2022 – although the bus gate idea itself dates back to 2021 when concerns were raised by Plau owner Jeremy Rowlands.

Travel to and from the railway station

The bus gate update drew a large response from Blog Preston readers, with dozens of comments across social media – with queries on how to get to and from the railway station being the focus.

The new road layout will see any motorists wanting to access the railway station area from the North of the city needing to go via North Road and turn onto Ringway.

While those coming back from the railway station would need to go up Marsh Lane and then turn left to then access the North of the city. You will not be able to turn right out of Marsh Lane onto Corporation Street once the bus gate begins operating.

Anyone from the West of the city wanting to access the railway station would need to follow Ringway up from Strand Road and then turn right into the top end of Corporation Street (close to Fishergate) as now.

The map shows that Corporation Street’s left turn into Ladywell Street is still accessible and this leads out onto Marsh Lane, but you can only turn right into Marsh Lane from Ladywell Street.

The retail park off Corporation Street along with St Mary’s car park and Hill Street car park will all remain accessible from Corporation Street in both directions.

What the county council say

Road markings and signage are being installed in preparation for the bus gate being switched on later this year. No exact date has been given by Lancashire County Council.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “People may have noticed that markings and some signage have gone in ahead of the changes being made to Corporation Street later this year.

“Once this bus gate becomes operational, all car parks will still be accessible, but the routes may be slightly different to reach them.  

“Nothing is changing for now and we will let people know in plenty of time, so that people will have more details about it and how it may affect their journey.”

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