RESIDENTS of Keynsham and Saltford are being invited to have their say on proposals to shape the future of travel along the A4 between Bath and Bristol.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) has unveiled revised proposals following previous feedback from the public in 2023 onwards.
As well as commenting online (see details on Page 3), people can ask questions and find out more about the proposals at an event at St Mary’s Church, Saltford, on Friday November 7, 2.30pm-8.30pm. The proposals include:
*A half-mile bus lane from Saltford towards Bath.
*Three new shared crossings on the Broadmead roundabout.
*A path for cyclists and pedestrians (sometimes shared, sometimes separated) from the Broadmead roundabout to the A4 junction with Norman Road in Saltford.
*Improvements to benefit cyclists and pedestrians between the A4 junction at Norman Road and the Bird in Hand pub.
*Improvements to the entrance of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path at the Bird in Hand.
*Potential upgrades to the railway path between the Bird in Hand and Brassmill Lane, Bath, to include extra lighting (depending on the impact on wildlife).
*Extending the railway path from Brassmill Lane and the River Avon Trail into the centre of Bath.
*Upgrades to 150 bus stops on the A4 and surroundings roads (including several stop in Saltford) featuring raised kerbs, live digital information boards, bike racks and e-scooter parking, new shelters and seats.
Previous plans for the Keynsham bypass and the section of the A4 between Emery Road and Hicks Gate roundabout are to be looked at again.
There was opposition from people in Keynsham and Saltford to proposals for 24-hour bus lanes on both sides of the bypass.
The idea was suspended by previous WECA Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and his eventual successor, Helen Godwin, pledged during her election campaign she would not go ahead with the bypass
bus-lanes scheme if she won.
Ms Godwin said: “Everyone who calls the West home knows that traffic is often a problem along the A4, particularly at rush hour.
“These revised proposals are a result of listening to local people, including in Keynsham and Saltford earlier this year, and should help cut congestion and pollution.”
WECA says it will consult on Keynsham bypass proposals “once the plans are more developed and ready for feedback.”
The Saltford bus lane is shorter than the one originally proposed and would head in one direction only (towards Bath) due to limited space on the Bath Road. It would run for about half a mile (1km) from the Broadmead roundabout to just before Copse Road.
The three new shared crossings proposed for pedestrians and cyclists on the Broadmead roundabout would be located on the Bristol-bound entrance, the entrance from the B3116 Bath Road, and the junction on Broadmead Lane (into the retail park).
WECA is also proposing to make changes to the way vehicles move around the roundabout so traffic flows more freely.
A two-way cycle path and a separate pavement would run from the Broadmead roundabout to the junction of Ellsbridge Close. From there, it would become a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Opposite La Famiglia restaurant, it would revert to a separate two-way cycle path and pavement, with a new traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing. These separate paths would continue until just past Flourish, where it would become a shared path again.
Another new pedestrian crossing with traffic lights would be added here. The shared path would then continue until the junction with Norman Road in Saltford village.
WECA said: “We are also working with the Withies Green developer, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset Council to ensure our proposals are co-ordinated and minimise disruption.
“The new cycle path and shared paths mean that people coming out of driveways and businesses along this part of the A4 would need to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists passing by.”
WECA says the proposed improvements between the A4-Norman Road and the Bird in Hand pub are designed to make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes raising sections of the road, new signs to show that it is a good route for cycling, wider pavements and upgraded pedestrian crossings.
“We have reviewed the plans following concerns raised during the 2023 consultation and no parking spaces would need to be removed,” the authority said.
The revised transport proposals confirm that WECA is exploring the possibility of a new railway station in Saltford.
“A feasibility study for reopening Saltford railway station has been completed, with report publication expected by the end of this year or early next year,” it said.
The revised WECA proposals have received a welcoming response from Duncan Hounsell, B&NES Lib Dem councillor for Saltford.
He said: “The proposals from the Broadmead roundabout to the Newbridge fork seem largely uncontroversial and positive.
“This consultation by WECA appears so much better prepared than the last one and I believe WECA is sincere in wanting feedback from the public to help achieve the best outcomes.”
George Leach, B&NES Lib Dem councillor for Keynsham North, said: “I’m broadly supportive of the section I’ve seen as the proposals for better cycling and bus links, especially in conjuncture with the potential housing sites along the A4 as part of the Local Plan.
“We need to provide viable options other than driving but also strike the right balance between all road users.
“It’s important to make proposals that work for drivers, cyclists and walkers, not prioritise one ahead of the other. In the main, I believe the proposals strike a reasonable balance.”
Work on implementing the approved A4 proposals is expected to run from August 2026 to May 2028.
For details of how to take part in the public consultation, which runs until December 2, visit www.haveyoursaywest.co.uk
You can also contact WECA by emailing bathtobristol@westofengland-ca.gov.uk, calling 0117 428 6210, or writing to FREEPOST West of England Combined Authority.
Pictured above, Improved routes for cyclists and pedestrians along the Bath Road are included in the proposals
Below, the Broadmead roundabout would get three new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
