News / Transport
New 24-hour bus lanes to be created along Portway
The next phase of work on the Portway is set to take 14 months and will include 24-hour bus lanes, new street lighting, more tree planting and reducing speed limits.
The project, led by Bristol City Council, began in June 2025 along the busy A4 corridor and uses government funding aimed at cutting congestion and encouraging more sustainable travel.
The third and main phase of the long-running construction project will start on March 9 and focus on the stretch between Portway Roundabout in Avonmouth and Park Road in Shirehampton.
Planned works include replacing traffic lights, upgrading bus stops, improving drainage, resurfacing the carriageway and installing new road markings.
The council says the scheme aims to improve bus reliability and make the corridor safer and more attractive for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Sections of the Portway are fenced off while construction work takes place
Green councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “Transforming the A4 Portway is a key part of our long‑term vision for this major transport corridor that can support Bristol’s future growth.
“These improvements will help people move around more easily by making bus journeys quicker and more reliable, thanks to 24‑hour bus lanes and upgraded junctions, while also creating safer and more attractive spaces for walking, wheeling and cycling.
“By modernising the route with better lighting, new surfacing, greener public spaces and improved drainage, we’re strengthening an important link into the city and helping to cut carbon emissions by encouraging more sustainable travel.
“This investment will improve day‑to‑day journeys now and ensure the Portway can meet the demands of a growing, better-connected, low‑carbon Bristol.”
Much of the route connecting Avonmouth to central Bristol has been resurfaced
Work will continue to be carried out in stages along the Portway, with resurfacing including painting the new 24-hour bus lanes scheduled for the end of the project.
While some lane closures will be in place, the road will remain open to traffic until resurfacing works later in the programme.
Roman Way’s junction with the Portway will close from March 9 until March 13 to allow drainage and kerb works to be completed.
Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained, with a diversion route in place for drivers.
The Portway project is being funded by the UK government as part of the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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