The second phase of highways works supporting the new bus station in Gloucester city centre is almost complete.

The taxi rank outside Grosvenor House has been temporarily moved, foundation works for the bus station have started and work has begun on Market Parade.

Works have been taking place on the roads surrounding the new bus station and now utility companies have come back on site. In order for this work to be carried out safely and as quickly as possible, the taxi rank has been temporarily moved to three alternative locations - Station Road, The Oxebode and just outside Wetherspoons on St Aldate Street. Regular meetings with taxi drivers affected by the works have taken place since last summer.

The resurfacing of the A430 Bruton Way railway station junction has been completed. This means the utility works can continue and work to support the new traffic signals can get underway.

The council is now nearing the end of the highways works. The next stages on Market Parade and Station Road have already started; crews are removing the end of the central island (by Tesco) and preparing Bruton Way Spur (in front of Land Registry) to be opened on Sunday 15th October in one direction towards Station Road.

Cllr Paul James, leader and cabinet member for regeneration at Gloucester City Council, said: "Now that the second phase of highway works has finished, we have started ground works for the foundations of the bus station itself. We recognise that these works have caused short-term disruption for people who live and work in the area. The changes to the taxi rank are one example.

"This is why throughout the entire project we have worked closely with partners and spoken with local businesses and residents, so they are aware of what is happening and can influence the decisions we take on how we manage what is a very complex project. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these vital works take place. The disruption will ultimately be worth it as we deliver a new, state of the art facility for Gloucester which will bring more people to the city and help to support the local economy."

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Gloucester City Council, said: "The construction of the new bus station is slowly taking place. It seems to have taken forever to get to the actual construction of the groundworks. Please hurry up Cllr James!

"I'm hoping the roadworks will be completed soon. The pedestrian route to the railway station has been chaotic for some time making it difficult for pedestrians crossing Bruton Way. Once the new bus station is open the council will have to start work on the next phases of the Kings Quarter regeneration project."

Punchline looks forward to the completion of the new bus station and hopes that the short-term pain is worth it for the long-term gain for the city.