REVISED plans to shape the future of travel along the A4 between Bath and Bristol have been revealed.
The scheme by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) includes:
*A new 1.2km eastbound bus lane from the Broadmead roundabout in Keynsham to Copse Road in Saltford.
*Five new signalised crossings, for pedestrians and cyclists, along the route and at Norman Road, with three more at the Broadmead roundabout.
*Upgrade of a shared path between the Broadmead roundabout and Ellsbridge Close to a two-way cycle lane running alongside the pavement.
Construction work is set to start this autumn and be completed by the end of 2028.
Following planning approval for Curo’s Withies Green development, which required improved walking and cycling access to 208 new homes, about 1km of active travel path on the A4 between Pixash Lane and Grange Road in Saltford will no longer form part of the scheme. This section is currently under construction by Curo.
As reported in the Voice in January this year, Saltford Parish Council has questioned the need for the planned bus lane.
It has also been critical of the proposals to introduce three crossings with traffic lights at the Broadmead roundabout, saying they are likely to increase congestion and the risk of accidents.
Keynsham Town Council has also expressed “grave concerns” about the impact the proposed roundabout changes would have.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, has previously said that a 24/7 bus lane previously proposed for the Keynsham bypass is no longer part of the plans. But there is some concern locally that this still leaves the possibility for some form of bus lane.
WECA says changes have been made to the original A4 corridor scheme, following feedback from residents in a consultation started late last year. It says that, once complete, the changes will help to cut congestion and pollution and create safer crossings for schools including Saltford CofE Primary School and IKB Academy.
“This will mean better sustainable travel options in the area, empowering people to be able to choose to leave the car at home,” it says.
WECA adds that the plans, designed in collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), will improve sustainable and active travel routes across the central Bath and central Bristol growth zones, linking Bristol Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District.
Also included in the scheme are:
*31 bus stop upgrades including Norman Road, Lansdown Road and Twyning Road.
*Widened and newly lit shared use path to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path at Twerton Fork.
*New signalised crossings, for pedestrians and cyclists, at the Globe.
*Speed limit reduction to 40mph between the Globe roundabout to Twerton Fork.
*Raised crossings over the side roads along Newbridge Road.
*Upgraded traffic lights at Newbridge Hill and Windsor Bridge Road to prioritise buses.
Mayor Helen Godwin said: “Everyone in our region knows that traffic is often a problem along the A4, particularly at rush hour. These updated proposals are a result of listening to local communities and should help cut congestion and pollution.
“I’ll say again that we need more carrots, and less sticks, so that people have more reliable, sustainable options for how to get around the West.”
*A separate consultation to seek people’s views on revised plans for the Keynsham bypass started on July 28 and runs until September 22.
New bus lane and roundabout crossings planned
