News / Transport
Roadworks to fix drainage issues delayed due to drainage issues
Drainage issues in an area well-known for localised flooding have delayed the completion of roadworks on a busy street.
Work to prevent water from pooling and to improve walking, wheeling and cycling routes on the lower part of Whiteladies Road will now continue to at least the spring.
Since work started in July 2025, a new cycle path has been installed, new drainage added and a section of pavement repaved.
On the to-do list remains jobs including adding a separated cycle path, adding ‘beany block kerbs’ that combine the roadside kerbs with a built-in drainage system and increasing the height of the pavement to reduce the impact of tree roots.
Th project is being funded using the highways maintenance block allocation from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement – photo: Bristol City Council
Ed Plowden, chair of Bristol City Council’s transport & connectivity committee, said: “Whiteladies Road has struggled with localised flooding for years and the mature trees that line the eastern side of the street have caused problems for pedestrians as their roots have made the narrow pavement surface uneven.
“I am pleased that work has restarted as we need to make Whiteladies Road more accessible for pedestrians and safer for cyclists, while retaining road space for vehicles and without losing any of the trees.
“Unfortunately, the need to resolve the drainage issues has added extra time to the project, which is now on course to be completed early in the spring.
“Thank you to everyone, especially residents and businesses along the route, for bearing with us while we work to improve Whiteladies Road for all.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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