Project Category: Consultations & Engagement

Bristol City Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority have committed to developing and improving bus services as a priority for the region, in collaboration with bus operators.

Through radical changes to bus infrastructure, we are aiming to achieve shorter bus journey times and increase how reliable they are.

To do this, we are working to change some of the major roads across the city to make it easier for people to take the bus and to walk or cycle. It is part of plans to transform Bristol’s road network, introducing quicker and more reliable bus travel, cleaner air, and improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

The number 2 bus route, which travels along the A37 and A4018, is one of the main transport corridors in Bristol that we are working to improve.

Our aim is to provide a better travelling experience for those who take the bus, walk, wheel or cycle, to encourage more people to choose to make the switch over to sustainable transport, which will help reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The A37/A4018 route

The A37/A4018 route is a 15-mile transport corridor from Stockwood to Henbury that follows the number 2 bus route.

We have divided the route into three geographical areas and are delivering the project over five work packages. This is because parts of the route are being constructed at different times as final designs are approved and contractors booked in to do the work.

---

Central section

The central section goes from the bottom of Whiteladies Road, down Park Street, through Cabot Circus, over Bristol Bridge, along Victoria Street, past Temple Meads and onto Bath Bridges.  

Parts of the central route have already been built, including improvements to Bristol Bridge and College Green. Construction work at Victoria Street is nearing completion.

We had planned to prevent through-traffic on Park Street and invest in new public spaces on Queens Road and Park Street, among other changes, but thee plans are no longer being taken forward.

---

North section

The north section of the route goes from the South Gloucestershire boundary on Station Road, along Knole Lane through to Southmead Road, onto Henleaze Road, over the Downs and onto Whiteladies Road.

This part of the project is still in development and is expected get underway in late 2026 and early 2027.

Work is expected to start with improving access for pedestrians between Henleaze Road and Knole Lane, including:

• upgrading two existing crossings
• Installing dropped kerbs and tactile paving at 42 side-road junctions
• adding eight refuge islands at three mini-roundabouts

---

South section

The south section starts from the Three Lamps junction on the A37 and follows Wells Road through Knowle, past Airport Road, onto West Town Lane and into Sturminster Road.

Plans include:

Introducing inbound and outbound 12-hour bus lanes on Wells Road, running from Whitecross Avenue to the junction of Wells Road and West Town Lane

• Creating a two-way separated cycle path on part of West Town Lane and Sturminster Road to link Whitchurch Way to Route 3 of the National Cycle Network
• Building a zebra crossing on West Town Lane
• Refurbishing a bus stop on Sturminster Road and moving a bus stop on West Town Lane
• Adding controlled pedestrian crossings at the Wells Road and West Town Lane junction
• New and upgraded crossing infrastructure around Stockwood

---

How we got here

In 2020 we asked for suggested improvements to the whole A37 and A4018 route.

Based on this feedback we created detailed designs, which we consulted on from November 2021 to January 2022.

Read the consultation report.

---

Reasons for the project

Without more investment in our public transport network, by 2036 delays are forecast to increase by 40 per cent, journey times by 9 per cent, and CO2 emissions from transport by 22 per cent.

We need to make significant changes to our road network if we are to meet Bristol’s carbon neutral targets and respond to the travel needs of a growing population.

Investing in the city’s transport network – to speed up bus journeys and create a better environment for walking, wheeling and cycling – will give people more options when deciding how they travel.

Find out more

To keep up to date with the Bus Route 2 project and construction work, visit Bristol on the Move.

---

Funding

The project is being funded by the UK Government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

---