Feedback from members of the public and business across the vitally important A61 Chesterfield Road route has led to two of four aspects of the project to be removed. They include plans to stop motorists from turning right into side roads in Woodseats and removing some parking spaces along the same road have been removed from planned improvements to the A61 Chesterfield Road.
An extensive and wide-ranging project was announced back in September last year, which would’ve seen several changes made to the A61 Chesterfield Road from Heeley all the way up to Meadowhead roundabout. Those changes where due to include filling in the Meadowhead subway, extending the turns into St James Park retail park, and improving the bus stops and shelters along the route.
Following the conclusion of a public consultation in October 2024, a number of proposals have also been removed from the project including off-road cycle path improvements and the introduction of parking restrictions at Chesterfield Road and Woodseats Road junction.
The A61 Chesterfield Road is one of the most important routes into and out of Sheffield, but it is much more than that. It is a route through an incredibly important shopping area in Woodseats and what happens there effects thousands of people. As a result of that, it is vitally important we get this project right and I’m delighted so many people have engaged with us through the public consultation.
We have listened to those who have supported the project and, as importantly, we have listened to the objections as well and we have acted accordingly. As a council, we can suggest how an area can be improved, but it is the people who live in that area who know it best and can help us tailor the project, so it has the desired impact.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council
Other elements of the plan, including the filling in of Meadowhead subway, extending the hours of the southbound bus lane at Tadcaster Way, and widening the lanes at Meadowhead roundabout are among proposals that require adjustments to the designs.
The A61 Chesterfield Road area of Sheffield does need improvement work carrying out on it, especially to tackle the congestion during the morning and evening rush hours and to make using public transport, walking or cycling a more appealing form of getting around. But we have to make sure the improvements are just that, improvements.
I want to thank everyone who got involved in the consultation and shared their views with us, they really do make a difference to our projects and will help improve our city for many years to come.
Cllr Miskell
Further work is due to be carried out on project over the coming weeks and months with construction due to begin in 2027.