Main phase of work to transform the A4 starts this month
Work to improve bus journeys and the walking, wheeling and cycling environment along the northwestern section of the A4 Portway is ramping up.
The third and main phase of the project will get underway this month (March 2026) and is programmed to take around 14 months to complete.
It includes:
- Creating 24-hour bus lanes
- Reducing speed limits
- Improving junctions
- Adding more green space and tree planting
- New street lighting
- Resurfacing the route
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “Transforming the A4 Portway is a key part of our long‑term vision for this major transport corridor that can support Bristol’s future growth.
“These improvements will help people move around more easily by making bus journeys quicker and more reliable, thanks to 24‑hour bus lanes and upgraded junctions, while also creating safer and more attractive spaces for walking, wheeling and cycling.
“By modernising the route with better lighting, new surfacing, greener public spaces and improved drainage, we’re strengthening an important link into the city and helping to cut carbon emissions by encouraging more sustainable travel.
“This investment will improve day‑to‑day journeys now and ensure the Portway can meet the demands of a growing, better-connected, low‑carbon Bristol.”
Work will take place in stages along the six-mile route of the Portway, finishing with coordinated resurfacing works, which will include painting the 24-hour bus lanes towards the end of the project.
This latest phase of work (phase 3) will start on Monday 9 March between Portway Roundabout and Park Road. Work on this stretch includes replacing the traffic lights and street lights; improving bus stops and drainage; and resurfacing the road and painting new road markings.
There will be some lane closures but the A4 Portway will remain open, until resurfacing work towards the end of the project.
Work will also start from 9.30am on Monday 9 March when Roman Way’s junction with the Portway will close so the area can be cleared and to complete drainage and kerb works. The closure will remain in place until 7pm on Friday 13 March.
Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained to Roman Way. There will be a diversion in place for drivers.
Work to complete phase two of the project, which includes finishing off pavement, kerb and drainage works, will also continue until the summer.
The A4 Portway project is being funded by the UK government as part of the Department for Transport’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Visit www.bristolonthemove.com to find out more about the project and to keep up to date with the programme of work.
