Category: Bus

Updated sustainable transport proposals for along and around the A4 between Bath and Bristol will be published today, following the regional authority and local councils listening to residents’ feedback.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with the support of Bath & North East Somerset and Bristol City councils, is inviting people to have their say on the revised plans from today, Tuesday 21 October, until 2 December.

The A4 connects the Central Bath and Central Bristol Growth Zone identified in the West’s new ten-year Growth Strategy, linking Bristol Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District. The revised proposals – following feedback from 5,000 residents in 2023 onwards – 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 popular 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

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, 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.

“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.

“While local council leaders and I think that these proposals are much stronger than previous plans, thanks to the input of residents, nothing is 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.”

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

“We welcome this fresh consultation and the improvements made to the A4 Bath to Bristol proposals following feedback from our communities. These updated plans reflect a more balanced and thoughtful approach to sustainable transport, with better walking, wheeling and cycling connections, safer routes for school children and significant upgrades to bus infrastructure.

“The proposed extension to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path into the heart of Bath and improving pedestrian access around Bath Spa University are important steps in making active travel a more attractive and accessible choice for residents. We’re pleased to see that concerns raised locally – such as around road closures and congestion – have been listened to and addressed.

“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 links between Bristol and Bath is an important step on the way 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. 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

This project is one of many in the West funded by the UK Government, through the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement that was previously secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

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 being looked at again. Constructive work with local councils continues and we will consult separately on these once the plans are more developed and ready for feedback.

In July, Mayor Helen Godwin joined other mayors from across England and Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, to pledge to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling options. In July, she welcomed £616 million committed in the Spending Review for active travel nationally – as well as the record £752 million secured for transport in the region for the coming years. Helen then hosted Chris Boardman in Bristol with Councillor Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, to highlight investment in the region, after backing, with council leaders, plans for more School Streets and more cycle hangars.

This 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

The consultation materials will be published online on Tuesday 21 October.

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority