Major transformation plans unveiled for one of Bristol’s busiest roads

One of Bristol’s busiest commuter routes could close to through traffic under proposals that would shift priority to buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Options for the dramatic transformation of the A4 – stretching between Bath and the Three Lamps junction in Totterdown – have been unveiled as part of major plans to cut congestion and improve air quality.

It could see hundreds of plants and trees planted and new cycle lanes created along the busy Bath Road, which would be partially closed to through traffic.

Under one longer term proposal, the A4 would be closed to vehicles – with the exception of buses, local traffic, cyclists and pedestrians – between the Three Lamps junction and Callington Road in Brislington.

Longer term option one could see Bath Road closed to through traffic between the Three Lamps junction in Totterdown and Callington Road in Brislington – image: WECA

A second longer term option would see through traffic diverted off the A4 just after the Lodekka pub on Tramway Road in Brislington so the main route through the neighbourhood would be used only by buses, local traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

Longer term option two would see part of the Bath Road through Brislington closed to through traffic – image: WECA

Both options would see the pedestrian bridge at Brislington Hill replaced with a street-level crossing and landscaping to create new public areas with outdoor seating and parklets, as well as more trees and plants.

Under the proposals, most traffic would be diverted onto a new two-lane road to be built along an old disused railway track between Callington Road and St Phillip’s Causeway – a site that some campaigners want to see turned into a cycle route rather than another road.

People are being asked to give their feedback on the proposals, which have been set out by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), with transport bosses warning that “there are trade offs and compromises – and no easy choices”.

They have stressed that these are early stage proposals and nothing is set in stone as they outline a vision that they say could form part of the West of England’s move towards net zero and the “ambition to be the bee and pollinator capital of the UK”.

Before and after image of proposed changes at Brislington Hill – image: WECA

A shorter term vision – that could be implemented over the next two to three years – could see bus lanes extended along the A4 between West Town Lane and Emery Road, with bus lane operating hours extended to 24 hours a day. A two-way segregated cycle lane would also be created between West Town Lane and Emery Road.

This option would see some changes to junctions and road access, as well as more parking restrictions.

WECA says the latest proposals, which are part of a wider £540m programme to improve public transport across the region, have been shaped by feedback from residents.

They could also see changes made to the Keynsham bypass, as well as new bus lanes and cycle ways through to Bath.

Transport bosses say they recognise “that these proposals will not be good for everyone, which is why residents are being urged to take part in the six-week consultation and help shape the plans on the table”.

The Three Lamps junction was once a bustling area of Totterdown before hundreds of houses were demolished – photo: Martin Booth

Visit www.haveyoursaywest.co.uk to read the plans in detail and give feedback. The consultation is open until October 1.

Online webinar events will be held on:

• September 4 from 6.30pm to 8pm for Brislington and Totterdown residents
• September 7 from 6.30pm to 8pm for Bath, Keynsham and Saltford residents

Drop-in sessions will be held in Bristol on:

• September 20 from 2pm to 7pm at Hungerford Community Centre, Brislington
• September 26 from 2pm to 7pm at the Spielman Centre, Arnos Vale Cemetery

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• How can we improve one of Bristol’s most congested roads?
• No money available to fix tiny bike lane along busy road
• Henbury’s new railway station could be open as soon as 2024

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