Plans for city centre road changes set to progress

A major step forward is expected be taken this week for big changes to several roads in Bristol city centre.

Over the next few years, roadworks will completely revamp Bond Street, Union Street, Broadmead, the Horsefair, the Haymarket, and the Redcliffe roundabout.

The changes include installing new bus lanes and bike lanes in a bid to cut congestion and air pollution.

Bristol City Council is hoping to encourage people to swap car travel for bus journeys, walking or cycling, but needs to upgrade infrastructure first.

Councillors on the transport policy committee were expected to sign off the latest stage of the works on Thursday, although some were already unhappy with the proposed plans.

Ahead of the committee meeting, new images and details of the changes have been revealed.

Green councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, said: "The plans for the Broadmead area are about more than improving transport routes and mark the beginning of a huge regeneration of the area that will see new homes and retail and leisure facilities developed.

"In preparation, we need to improve bus routes and create pedestrian-friendly spaces that make it easier and more pleasant to travel actively."

New bus lanes will be installed on Bond Street, and a new cycle route will also be created through St Paul's running parallel with Bond Street.

Opposing the Bond Street changes is Liberal Democrat councillor Nicholas Coombes, who says they would cause congestion due to there being less space for cars.

He added: "It is unrealistic to say that car drivers are going to switch to the bus before we even have plans for a park and ride."

After a public consultation last summer, the city council is now planning to submit a full business case for the £4.52m Bond Street project to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) for approval.

Bus lanes, bike lanes and new pedestrian crossings were also planned for Redcliffe roundabout. Construction was expected to start next year, costing £6.25m.

Major changes were also planned for Broadmead and Union Street, including pedestrianising the Horsefair and Penn Street, giving buses more priority, and building one kilometre of segregated cycle routes.

These projects will be paid for from a fund called the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which the government gave to Weca.