Fresh Public Consultation Launched on A4 Bath-to-Bristol Transport Upgrades

A new round of public consultation has opened to gather feedback on updated proposals for transport improvements along the A4 corridor connecting Bath and Bristol.

Organised by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)alongside Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bristol City Council, the consultation will run until 2 December 2025.

The A4 is a key artery linking the Central Bath and Bristol Growth Zones, part of the region’s ten-year Growth Strategy, connecting Bristol Temple Quarter with Bath’s Riverside Innovation District.

Updated Proposals

Following feedback from more than 5,000 residents since 2023, the revised plans include:

• Extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path by half a mile into central Bath, with an improved entrance near the Bird in Hand pub in Saltford.

• Upgrading almost 150 bus stops, a 50% increase on previous plans, with raised kerbs, additional shelters, and real-time information displays.

• Enhanced pedestrian access around Bath Spa University.

• Around 40 new and improved crossings, including safety measures near schools such as Holymead, Wicklea Academy, Broomhill Junior, and St Annes Infant.

• Segregated two-way cycle lanes near St Brendan’s College and Oasis Academy Brislington.

• New bus lanes, including a near-continuous stretch between West Town Lane and Emery Road, designed to maintain car lane availability.

  
  

Local Leaders’ Reactions

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:“Traffic along the A4 is a daily challenge for many residents, particularly during rush hour. These updated proposals reflect what people have told us and aim to reduce congestion and pollution. Public feedback will be crucial in shaping final plans that make a real difference for our communities.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader for Bath & North East Somerset, added:“These revised proposals take community input on board, providing safer walking, cycling, and wheeling routes, and significant upgrades to bus infrastructure.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:“Improving transport links between Bristol and Bath will boost economic growth, social connectivity, and quality of life. The updates aim to make bus services like the X39 faster and more reliable while creating safer, more pleasant streets for all users.”

Key Adjustments Since 2023

• Newbridge Road, Bath: eased congestion without adding a bus lane.

• Saltford: revised cycle route and shorter bus lane heading only towards Bath, keeping traffic lanes intact.

• Osborne Road, Bath: no road closure.

• Talbot Road, Brislington: new trees and traffic calming instead of a closure.

• Hungerford Road: widened with a new bus gate following safety concerns involving school children.

• Arnos Vale bus lanes: now operate only during peak hours.

  
  

The scheme is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement from the Department for Transport, previously secured by WECA. Further consultations on the Keynsham bypass and other A4 sections will follow as designs progress.