Improved sustainable transport links between Bath and Bristol have moved a step closer as plans for the section between Brislington and Totterdown reach the next stage.
Following feedback from residents in a consultation, changes have been made to the original scheme. You can read the full report here.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), in partnership with Bristol City Council, will invest in new bus lanes along this part of the A4, more crossings, cycle paths and shared paths – plus measures to make walking wheeling and cycling saferon School Road, Hollywood Road, Wick Road, Allison Road, Sandy Park Road, Newbridge Road and Talbot Road which will provide safer active travel routes near local schools.
The wider plans, which have been designed in collaboration with Bath and North East Somerset Council and Bristol City Council, aim to improve sustainable and active travel routes across the Central Bristol & Bath growth zone, which links Bristol Temple Quarterto the Bath Riverside Innovation District.
The work on this section of the A4 corridor is predicted to begin in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2028. Residents and businesses who may be affected by the works will be contacted directly.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Anyone in our region who has travelled along the A4 between Bath and Bristol knows only too well that traffic is often a problem. I want to thank everyone who had their say during the consultation to help shape these plans.
“We are determined to deliver more reliable travel options for people to get around the West of England, working with the council, including improved road safety around a number of local schools including Holymead Infant and Junior Schools and The KingfisherSchool.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee, said:
“The proposals have reached an important milestone and will be considered by both Bristol City Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority in the coming months.
“If approved, we would continue working in partnership with the combined authority, who are leading the scheme, to deliver improvements along this section of the wider A4 Bath to Bristol route.
“The proposals would support Bristol’s vision of making it easier, safer and greener to move into and around the city by improving bus reliability, enhancing walking, wheeling and cycling connections, and creating safer routes around local schools and neighbourhoods.”
Following the consultation with residents and businesses, these changes are being made to proposed plans for the Bristol section of the improvements:
- The A4 Bath-bound bus lane times at Arnos Vale will now be in operation from 7am to 6:30pm, but with loading permitted at certain times.
- A new zebra crossing at Hill Lawn/Sherwell Road junction will serve the nearby bus stops and Nightingale Valley nature reserve.
- The speed humps on Newbridge Road will now be extended to Feeder Road.
- Bristol City Council will continue to consider potential interventions on Hungerford Road that support wider strategic transport plans and priorities for the local area, working with the West of England Combined Authority.
Feedback on the proposals highlighted most respondents supported having more traffic calming measures and safer crossings. The proposals for more cycling lanes were also welcomed.
