Work on the A4 Bath to Bristol progresses as investment to start this autumn

Plans to improve sustainable transport links along the A4 between Bath and Bristol are continuing to move forward as construction is set to begin later this year.

Changes have been made to the original scheme, following feedback from residents in a consultation started late last year. You can read the consultation report here.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES), will invest in shared use paths, bus stop upgrades, improved pedestrian crossings, and more bus lanes along the A4 between Saltford and Bath.

Once complete, the improvements 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.

The work is set to begin in Autumn 2026 and be completed by the end of 2028.

Residents and businesses will be contacted directly with details of all works and any temporary diversions necessary.

The plans, which have been designed in collaboration with Bath and 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.

A separate consultation process to seek people’s views on revised plans for the A4 in and near the Keynsham area is due to commence in late July.

An update on the public consultation already undertaken relating to Bristol stretches of the A4 will be shared this summer.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, 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 – including improved school safety efforts. 

“Thanks to the input of residents, our investment working with local councils can start to really make a difference that our communities can see and feel every day in and between Bath and Bristol.” 

Councillor Sarah Warren, Bath & North East Somerset Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: 

“We’re delighted that these improvements to the A4 Bath to Bristol corridor are now set to move forward. Shaped by feedback from local communities, the scheme will deliver safer, more accessible walking, wheeling, cycling and bus routes, helping people make more sustainable travel choices.

“From extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path into the heart of Bath to creating safer routes for school children, these investments will make everyday journeys easier, healthier and more connected. We look forward to seeing the benefits for residents across Bath and North East Somerset.”

There has been extensive consultation with the public on the plans for this section of the A4. Based on the feedback from residents, the plans for improvements to the A4 are:

  • New 1.2km eastbound bus lane from Broadmead Roundabout to Copse Road
  • Upgrade of a shared path between Broadmead Roundabout and Ellsbridge Close to a two-way cycle lane running alongside pavement.
  • Five new signalised crossings, for pedestrians and cyclists, along the route and at Norman Road, with three more at Broadmead roundabout
  • 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
  • 31 bus stop upgrades including Norman Road, Lansdown Road and Twyning Road

Further information:

Following planning approval for a Curo homes development, which required improved walking and cycling access to 208 new homes, approximately 1km of active travel path on the A4 between Pixash Lane and Grange Rd in Saltford will no longer form part of our scheme. This section is currently under construction by Curo.

A separate consultation on the area of the scheme around Keynsham town centre will be released this summer.

Other sections of the corridor are still under review, and consultations on these plans will be issued when ready.

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority