A new two-way traffic system is set to come into force in Easton Street and Queen Victoria Road, in High Wycombe, from the early hours of Wednesday, May 29.

The new road system comes after major roadworks in the town centre as part of phase five of the Wycombe town centre masterplan. 

Ahead of the new layout coming into place, Queen Victoria Road, Easton Street and Crendon Street will be shut from 8pm to 6am from Tuesday, May 7, for five nights, while contractors carry out final surfacing works. 

The new two-way system - the first time both roads have seen traffic in both directions for more than 40 years - aims to improve north-south journey times.

The High Street crossroads and the Easton Street exit on to Abbey Way have been remodelled to allow two-way traffic, and traffic lights will synchronise with signals further up Crendon Street and in London Road.

The new arrangement will also allow traffic to travel straight on and make left turns, but prohibits right turns from Queen Victoria Road into Easton Street.

The £3.7 million scheme is part of a £15m town centre masterplan, which aims to make the centre of High Wycombe more attractive for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

Mark Shaw, Bucks County Council deputy leader and transport cabinet member said the changeover is planned for school half-term holiday as traffic will be lighter.

"We're on the home straight of this two-way traffic scheme to improve the look of the area and to make it better for those who use the roads through the busy town centre," said Mark. 

"I'm really grateful to residents and businesses for bearing with us throughout the works."

David Johncock, Wycombe District Council's cabinet member for planning and sustainability, said: "Queen Victoria Road and Easton Street haven’t seen a change like this for about 40 years and we want to make sure that motorists and pedestrians are prepared for the two way traffic on these roads. 

"So we’re asking you to start thinking now about what your new route around these roads will be from Wednesday 29 May."

Richard Harrington, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “We are delighted to see this BTVLEP supported scheme near completion, which aims to improve the road infrastructure in High Wycombe.

"Part of the High Wycombe Town Centre Masterplan, this road improvement plays a key component in providing resilience for the town centre as an attractive focus for employment, shopping and leisure activities.” 

The High Wycombe Town Centre Masterplan is jointly funded by BTVLEP, Wycombe District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council.