Plans to turn a key roundabout bridge over the River Avon into a crossroads junction instead are set to take a step forward, with more cycle paths and pavements in the designs. A radical revamp of the the Bedminster Bridge roundabout system planned by Bristol City Council would see one of the two bridges only accessible by buses, and the other used by all other two-way traffic.
And at the same time, the two bridges and the roads around Bedminster and Redcliffe will see many more cycle paths for people on bicycles and scooters, and more pavements. The plans were first revealed by Bristol Live back in August 2024, as the city council launched a major consultation on the idea.
Many people who cycle to and from South Bristol into the city centre asked the council for better and more joined-up cycle paths. The authority said its consultation showed 54 per cent of people who responded agreed with the proposals for the Bedminster Bridges, and as a result it is taking the idea forward – including the fundamental revamp of the roads system.
This will see the western bridge of the roundabout converted to a two-way bus lane between Redcliff Hill and Bedminster Parade for buses, taxis and motorbikes, while the eastern bridge will be a two-way regular road for all other traffic. Next week, councillors will be asked to vote on taking the Bedminster Bridge scheme forward, and asking the West of England Combined Authority for more than £4 million to implement the project.
But there are tweaks that have been made, and a plan to make Guinea Street in Redcliffe one-way to traffic has been dropped after people living in that area objected. The council will also install cycle paths for bikes and e-scooter riders, the amended plans after the consultation show. There will be a new two-way cycle track all the way along Coronation Road from St John’s Road to Bedminster Bridge.
A proposed cycle path along York Road to Whitehouse Street will now be traffic light-controlled at the junction, and that cycle path will connect straight across from York Road to Coronation Road, because many people walking up Bedminster Parade onto the bridges complained about people cycling on the pavements.
A small section of Bedminster Parade will also be separated for cyclists heading into Bedminster, while a new cycle lane will be created on the western bridge for cyclists heading from Redcliffe to Bedminster. The council said it has also added a number of new pavements for people walking around the new-look Bedminster Bridges.
There will be what is described as ‘new continuous footway crossings’ installed across Redcliff Hill from Guinea Street to Prewett Street in Redcliffe, and a new path in front of the parade of shops at the base of Waring House. This means people walking from the city centre to Bedminster will walk along in front of the shops instead of along the main road.
The meeting next Thursday will also consider plans for bus lanes and segregated cycle lanes on Temple Way, as well as the controversial plan to effectively ban through traffic from Park Street in the city centre. Both are expected to be backed by councillors, and go forward to the next step, which involves Bristol City Council asking the West of England Combined Authority for the millions to do it.
The man in charge of the committee, Cllr Ed Plowden (Green, Windmill Hill) said they are focusing on key bus routes, to make buses run more smoothly. “With congestion impacting our economy, environment and health, we need to improve public transport and create more people-friendly spaces,” he said.
“By enhancing our transport corridors, we can speed up bus journeys and make walking, wheeling, and cycling safer and more pleasant. We are focusing on key bus routes, such as along the A37, A4018, the A4 Portway, and through the city centre, to provide a quick and reliable service.
“Our aim is to prioritise buses, make active travel safer, and create new public spaces to support the local economy. It is vital that our plans include local communities, businesses, and regional authorities to build a well-connected city with cleaner air and sustainable transport options.”