Creating a cycle path on Christmas Street
Work is taking place to create a separated cycle path on Christmas Street in the city centre from 8 to 27 September 2025.
The cycle lane will link up to other planned cycling infrastructure. Until the new infrastructure is in place, markings on this route will direct cyclists one-way south/west bound. Once more cycle track has been built on Lewins Mead, the remaining cycle markings, going north/west bound, will be added to the Christmas Street cycle track to show that it is two-way.
Schedule of construction work:
- Work will start from 8 September and last until 27 September
- Christmas Street will be closed at all times from 18 to 24 September
- Christmas Street and Quay Street will close overnight for resurfacing works on 18 and 25 September
- Christmas Street and Quay Street traffic marshal will be in place on Friday 26 September from 7.30am to 5pm
There will be three-way traffic signals in place at the start of the works so delays in the area are expected.
Christmas Street will need to close at all times to motor vehicles from 18 to 24 September and overnight on 18 and 25 September.
It will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the works.
Deliveries, student drop-offs and parking on Nelson Street
Drivers are being asked to limit deliveries and drop offs while Christmas Street is closed from 18 to 24 September where possible.
If delivering or dropping off, this can be done on either Bridewell Street or Nelson Street. There is also the NCP car park on Nelson Street (entrance on All Saints Street).
If using Bridewell Street or Nelson Street, drivers should turn left on to Bridewell Street before getting to Christmas Street. This will be much faster than following the diversion to Quay Street. A sign will be put out to inform drivers of this.
Businesses and the student accommodation providers are being asked to warn their suppliers and students ahead of the closure to reduce disruption and allow people to plan ahead.
Access to Quay Street – important note for students moving in and essential deliveries
Access to Quay Street while Christmas Street is closed is through Old City.
The main route suitable for all vehicles is along Baldwin Street which is only accessible via Redcliffe Bridge as there are bus gates on Bristol Bridge and both ends of Baldwin Street.
Option one: Only suitable for cars and small vans
Exit Old Market Roundabout onto Castle Street, turn right onto Lower Castle Street, left onto Broad Way and continue onto New Gate and then onto Wine Street. At the Wine Street/High Street junction turn right down Broad Street (through the Broad Street barrier which will be lifted while Christmas Street is closed) and exit via Bell Lane. Turn right onto Small Street and right onto Quay Street.
Please be aware: Bell Lane is very narrow, so this route is only suitable for cars and small vans.
Option two: Suitable for all vehicle sizes
From Redcliffe Bridge travel left onto The Grove, right onto Prince Street and veer right onto Marsh Street. Then left onto Baldwin Street, left onto St Stephens Street via the barrier (which will be lifted throughout the works), right onto Corn Street, left onto Small Street, and then right onto Quay Street.
Please be aware: Baldwin Street is only accessible for general traffic via Redcliffe Bridge.
Bus diversions
Services that use Christmas Street – including the 71, 1, 2, 2a, 9, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 6, 7, 16 and 5 – will continue east along Lewins Mead, turn around on the St James Barton roundabout (Bearpit) then turn left in to Bridewell Street to pick up their normal route along Nelson Street.
Services that usually stop at Nelson Street B5 will stop at Nelson Street B3 outside The Island community arts venue and event space. This will be in place from 8pm on Thursday 18 September until 6am on Thursday 25 September.
Broadmead project
This work is part of the Broadmead transport project to improve active travel and bus routes through the city centre, which is being built in phases to minimise disruption.
Along with creating a cycle path on Christmas Street, work to install a new bus stop on Lower Castle Street will also be taking place, but it will not require traffic to be diverted.
Funding
This work is being funded by the UK Government through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Thank you for bearing with us throughout these works to make cycling safer through Bristol city centre.
