News / M32
How would you improve under the M32?
Despite the presence of skateboarders, art projects and a monthly flea market, the space underneath the M32 has long lay neglected and under-used.
Problems with drug use, litter and fumes from the teeming road above has gradually plunged the underpass by the Eastville viaduct into general disrepair.
But the future could look brighter (and cleaner) for the four and a half mile motorway, as a project aims to improve the space for people who pass through it.
The M32 provides a link from the M4 to Bristol city centre
“I’ve long thought the motorway has been an eyesore and am pleased to see this commitment which brings the possibility of ‘greening’ the concrete monolithic structure”, said Labour councillor for Eastville, Marley Bennett .
“I recently met with Finlay McNab, CEO of Streets Reimagined, who has been commissioned by National Highways and Bristol City Council to develop ideas to improve the spaces under the M32 along the Eastville and Easton section.”
The team is led by Churchman Thornhill Finch and commissioned by Kier on behalf of National Highways who are working with Bristol City Council.
The consultation seeks to understand what Bristolians’ priorities are for the underpass – with questions revolving around greenery, lighting, rubbish, fly-tipping, noise and air pollution, murals, sport, playable spaces.
National Highways is considering how to make public realm improvements to the area underneath the M32.
I’ve long thought the motorway has been an eyesore and am pleased to see this commitment which brings the possibility of ‘greening’ the concrete monolithic structure. 1/3
— Marley (@marleybennett) May 11, 2022
Construction of the M32 began in the 1960s. At that time, a BBC report described the new road as a “dagger thrust into the heart of the city”.
The vast concrete flyover section was built through Eastville Park and over the River Frome – bringing drivers from the M4 within minutes of the city centre but splitting communities.
Seeking to reconcile neighbourhoods with the area, the project writes: “We know there have been some previous projects and some good things are already happening.
“However, we would like to confirm some of these findings and also to learn more about people’s experience of these spaces and how we could make it better.
“We would like to hear from people who live and work nearby, those that visit and those that travel through here.
The invitation comes amid recent calls for the M32 to be downgraded to an A-road, making a park and ride along the route possible.
You can fill out the consultation here.
All photos: Betty Woolerton
Read more: Petition to remove giant M32 billboards
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