Locals are being asked to have their say on 'major improvements' to roads in South Gloucestershire. The council has put forward proposals to improve the A432 and A4174 between Yate and Bristol for people walking, cycling and travelling by bus.
A string of improvements includes new bus stops, crossings and speed limits, as well as improved junctions. Also being proposed is a new two-way cycle track in Coalpit Heath and a 'bus gate' at the Hambrook junction.
South Gloucestershire Council says the improvements will address severe delays impacting bus services in the area, and the lack of accessibility at some bus stops. It says: "Improved junctions, bus lanes, better bus stops and pedestrian crossings will make using buses more reliable and attractive."
It comes a week after it was announced that some key bus routes, which serve Yate and Coalpit Heath, are being axed due to a shortage of bus drivers and low passenger numbers.
South Gloucestershire Council said: "Buses experience delays approaching key junctions on the route, particularly between Yate and Coalpit Heath. Severe delays impacting bus services have also been experienced along the A4174 ring road, particularly at peak times.
"Facilities provided at bus stops vary greatly – many bus stops in Yate do not meet basic standards for accessibility or for bus shelters. Improved junctions, bus lanes, better bus stops and pedestrian crossings will make using buses more reliable and attractive.
"Provision for people cycling along the A432 and A4174 is limited, it is not separated from busy traffic, or uses paths shared with pedestrians which can lead to conflicts. Creating safer facilities separated from traffic and pedestrians will make it a realistic choice for people of all abilities to cycle in safety.
"The scope of these improvements is focused on making the best use we can of the A432 corridor. Longer terms considerations for how our area may look in the next 20-30 years may open up the possibility of wider opportunities for improving sustainable transport connections between Yate/Chipping Sodbury and the A4174 Ring Road."
The council says funding for the improvements will be provided by WECA (West of England Combined Authority) and will not have impact on funds available in South Gloucestershire for other council services.
The council is proposing the following:
Yate, Chipping Sodbury and A432 improvements:
- Improvements to bus stop facilities across Yate and Chipping Sodbury and the A432 corridor
- Junction improvements on the Y1 bus service route where buses regularly get stuck in traffic at busy times
- Improvements to sustainable transport modes, including bus stop improvements and continuous segregated cycle infrastructure along Station Road
- Improvements to junctions including improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians
- A two-way cycle track with separate footway along the eastern side of the A432 between Coalpit Heath and Kendleshire junction
- Improvements to the Kendleshire junction
- Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the A432
- Retained key shared use paths, e.g. between Kendleshire junction and Wick Wick roundabout
A4174 improvements:
- A two-way cycle track with separate footway between Wick Wick roundabout and Coldharbour Lane
- New and improved walking / cycling crossings along the A4174
- New westbound bus / metrobus stop in existing layby to west of Wick Wick roundabout
- Reduction in speed limits at Bromley Heath roundabout, Hambrook Junction and Coldharbour Lane to improve safety and support increased walking and cycling
- Provision of a bus gate to allow northern bus movements through the Hambrook junction
The council says it is also seeking views on two ideas for improving access to buses in Bromley Heath. These include new Metrobus stops on the ring road accessed through Bromley Heath Park, or routing additional bus services through the area.
Locals can have their say by responding to an online survey. The consultation ends on April 20.
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