Construction works to upgrade a busy stretch of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path will start at the end of January, Sustrans has announced.
Last year, Sustrans and Bristol City Council revealed plans which would aim to make the path a safer and more inclusive space.
Changes will be made to the path on the stretch between Trinity Street and Clay Bottom, with the biggest changes at the section next to Easton Community Centre, at Clay Bottom, and the Russell Town Avenue access point.
READ MORE: New name for Broadwalk Shopping Centre as fresh development plans drawn up
Sustrans said the works include stretches of path widening, resurfacing, installation of new places to stop and rest and improvements to junctions and access points.
The first section of works will be in the Lawrence Hill area, said Sustrans, adding completion of the project is expected in the summer of 2022.
Sustrans said: "Work will commence on Monday, January 31.
"There will be intermittent closures to allow for the series of works and installations to take place.
"Where sections of the path are closed, diversions via adjacent streets will be signposted. These will guide people from one end of a closure to the other.
"Closed sections will be reopened when it is safe to do so but in some cases sections may close again at a later date to allow for the completion of works.
"Please allow extra time for your journeys throughout this period."
The improvements announcement came after a series of crimes being reported in the path towards the end of 2020, with police issuing an update on its policing plan for the area as a result.
These will include levelling the mound of earth that sits in the triangle of space at the junction for Easton Community Centre.
Other changes will be seen at Clay Bottom, where the section known locally as ‘the wiggle’ will be improved to create more space and visibility, separating cyclists and people walking.
To keep up to date with latest Bristol news, and discuss thoughts with other residents, join our Bristol City Centre community group on Facebook here. You can also sign up to Bristol Buzz, our brand new newsletter for the city centre, here.
A new, level access point will be created just by Clay Bottom, from Rose Green Road, making it easier for people to join and leave the path in that area.
Sarah Leeming, Sustrans' Interim Director for the South of England said: “It’s wonderful to see the time and effort that everyone has given to this project coming to fruition and that the collaborative designs will soon be coming to life on the path.
“This iconic space plays a part in so many people’s lives in all manner of ways.
"Making improvements to this brilliant community asset will be such an important step in helping to create a safer, more accessible and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
“I look forward to seeing the works progressing over the next few months.”
The project is being delivered by Sustrans with Bristol City Council thanks to funding from the Department for Transport.
Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport, added: “These works will greatly improve the popular route and make the path more inclusive for all users, while creating more space for residents to enjoy.
“Although there may be some disruption over the coming months, the improvements are set to benefit everyone who uses the path.
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
