Revised plans to transform a busy commuter road between Bath and Bristol to improve travelling by bus or bike have been unveiled.
The updated proposals for the A4 the plans were first announced and follow feedback from thousands of local people, according to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca).
The road connects the central Bath and central Bristol Growth Zone identified in the local authority's new 10-year Growth Strategy, linking Bristol Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District.
The updated proposals include:
- 40 new and upgraded pedestrian crossings – with safety set to be improved around local schools such as Holymead Infant and Primary, Wicklea Academy, Broomhill Junior, and St Annes Infant schools;
- extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path by half a mile into the centre of Bath and improving the entrance near the Bird in Hand pub in Saltford;
- upgrades for almost 150 bus stops – 50% more than previously proposed – including raised kerbs for level access, more bus shelters, and new real-time information displays;
- new segregated, two-way cycle lanes near and to St Brendan’s College and Oasis Academy Brislington;
- improved pedestrian and walking connections around Bath Spa University;
- new bus lanes – including an almost continuous section between West Town Lane and Emery Road, without losing road space for cars.
Weca, with the support of Bath & North East Somerset and Bristol City councils, is inviting people to have their say on the revised plans until December 2.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said the new proposals were as a result of listening to local people, including in Keynsham and Saltford, and should help cut congestion and pollution.
"Everyone who calls the West home knows that traffic is often a problem along the A4, particularly at rush hour," she said.
"I’ve said before and will say again that we need more carrots, and less sticks, so that people have more reliable, sustainable options for how to get around our region. School Streets are something I backed as a councillor and I continue to support school safety efforts as Mayor."
She said the plans were "much stronger" than previously announced but added that they were not "set in stone".
"We want people to have their say to help further develop these ideas, so that this investment can really make a difference that our communities can see and feel in and between Bath and Bristol," she said.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath & North East Somerset, said the updated plans reflected "a more balanced and thoughtful approach to sustainable transport".
She said: “I encourage everyone in Bath and North East Somerset to take part in this consultation. Your feedback is vital in shaping a transport network that works for all, reduces congestion and supports healthier, more connected communities."
Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said better transport between Bristol and Bath was "an important step" to boosting economic growth, social connectivity, and quality of life across the region.
"These proposals aim to make bus services like the X39 quicker and more reliable, while creating safer, more accessible and pleasant routes for walking, wheeling and cycling," he added.
"I encourage everyone who lives, works or travels along the A4 to take part in the consultation and share their views. Your feedback will help shape a transport network that works better for all of us – reducing congestion, improving air quality, and supporting more sustainable ways to travel.”
Proposed changes from the previous plans include:
- traffic calming and new trees instead of a road closure in Talbot Road, Brislington;
- junction changes to reduce congestion on Newbridge Road, Bath, without any new bus lane;
- a better cycling route and a shorter bus lane than originally proposed at Saltford, only heading towards Bath, using highways land and maintaining existing lanes for other traffic;
- road widening and a new bus gate proposed on Hungerford Road, near the Hungerford Gardens bus stop, following a number of school children being hit by cars over recent years;
- an extension to the peak hours of bus lanes in Arnos Vale, rather than 24 hour operation;
- no road closure in Osborne Road, Bath.
The project is among a number in the West funded by the government, through the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement that was previously secured by Weca.
The regional authority said previous proposals for the Keynsham bypass and the section of the A4 between Emery Road and Hicks Gate roundabout, and the longer-term Bristol proposals from the West Town Lane junction towards Bristol city centre that were in the 2023 consultation, are also being looked at again.
It said it would consult separately on these once the plans "are more developed and ready for feedback".
The six-week consultation will include five in-person events for residents to ask questions and discuss the updated plans.
Friday 24 October, 2pm – 8pm, Keynsham Library, BS31 1FS
Tuesday 4 November, 2pm – 8pm, Hungerford Community Centre, BS4 5EX
Friday 7 November, 2:30pm – 8:30pm, St Mary’s Church, Saltford, BS31 3EL
Wednesday 12 November, 2pm – 8pm, The Street Locksbrook Campus, Bath Spa University, BA1 3EL
Thursday 13 November, 2pm – 8pm, St Christopher’s Church, Brislington, BS4 3HN
