Glasgow Adds Bus Gate to Support Transit Access
New westbound bus gate and temporary road closure begin May 11 at George Square
Glasgow Adds Bus Gate at George Square May 11
Glasgow's George Square area will see new traffic restrictions starting May 11 as the city's flagship civic space redevelopment enters its final phase. A westbound bus gate will come into force at 6am Monday at the Ingram Street and Queen Street junction, operating seven days a week from 7am to 7pm, transit officials said. The change coincides with a temporary road closure between Cochrane Street and Queen Street to accommodate construction work on the square's south side.
Redevelopment Nears Completion
The transformation of George Square is on track for completion in late summer as part of Glasgow's People First Zone initiative, which prioritizes pedestrians, accessibility and sustainable travel. Significant progress has already been made, with 49 new trees planted, statue plinths repositioned, and stone road surfacing currently being installed on the north side of the square. The project aims to create a greener, more welcoming city center while improving public transport access. Officials said the transformation will be completed in coming weeks with the addition of 13 more street trees.
Bus Gate Restrictions and Authorized Vehicles
The new westbound bus gate will restrict right turns from Ingram Street onto Queen Street to authorized vehicles only during operating hours. Buses, taxis, cycles and commercial vehicles will be permitted through the gate, while private cars must use alternate routes. The restriction operates alongside an existing 24-hour eastbound bus gate already in place at the same Queen Street and Ingram Street junction. Officials didn't specify enforcement methods or penalty amounts for unauthorized vehicles using the bus gate.
Road Closure Takes Effect Monday
The road between Cochrane Street and Queen Street will close temporarily to all vehicles from 6am Monday, May 11, to accommodate construction work on George Square's south side. The closure and new bus gate restrictions take effect simultaneously as contractors prepare to complete the final phase of the civic space redevelopment. Officials said the work involves installing stone road surfacing similar to what's currently being laid on the square's north side, though a specific reopening date for the closed section wasn't provided.
Impact on City Center Travel
Drivers should plan alternate routes around George Square starting May 11, as the new bus gate and road closure will restrict private vehicle access through the area during peak hours. The changes are designed to support public transport services while construction continues, though officials haven't said how long the temporary road closure will remain in effect. Moovit provides real-time updates for Glasgow bus routes affected by the George Square redevelopment and can help riders navigate service changes in the city center.
