THE latest move to keep commuters on the go during the summer disruption at Nottingham Station has been completed – and all it took was a tin of paint.
A new bus lane has been put in place in Sheriffs Way, near the railway station, with the aim of clearing the way for rail replacement buses.
The lane was drawn up over the past couple of weeks and the city council says people are already avoiding using the road, despite the fines not coming into place until later in the month.
The new bus lane will lead to a new drop-off point for the replacement buses in Queens Road, which will be used between July 20 and August 25 while the work is taking place at the station.
Other changes to the roads near the station include a "bus gate" in Station Street.
This will mean buses, bicycles and wheelchair-accessible taxis will be the only vehicles able to access Station Street from London Road.
Opinion about the new bus lane was divided in the city.
Jim Davis, 46, from The Meadows, said: "It makes sense really – the buses won't be as quick as the trains, but these things might help."
But Brian Seaton, 49, from Clifton, said: "I think people are just going to avoid the trains and replacement buses while the work goes on, so I don't think making more space for buses will be needed.
"If anything, they should look at how they deal with more cars coming into the city because the trains won't be running."
The city council's portfolio holder for planning and transport, Councillor Jane Urquhart, said: "We are working very closely with Network Rail, East Midlands Trains and other partners to help minimise any disruption to the travelling public as a result of the signal improvement works over the summer.
"We are providing space on the road network and access at the station for replacement bus services and ensuring clear, up-to-date information is available to help people make the appropriate journey choices.
"I would encourage anyone who normally travels to Nottingham by train to think now about the alternatives that might be available to them."
The work taking place this summer involves replacement of the track and signalling as well as a new platform at the station.
A spokeswoman for East Midlands Trains said: "We have worked closely with the city council in planning the Nottingham resignalling project.
"This bus-priority measures will be invaluable in helping the replacement bus services get people to where they need to be while work is being carried out and will help us to minimise disruption for passengers as much as possible."
