News / Transport

Roadworks to fix drainage issues delayed due to drainage issues

By Martin Booth  Tuesday Jan 13, 2026

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.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

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

Read next:

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: