Work has started looking at possible options for rapid transit linking the North and East Fringe via Bristol city centre with the major redevelopment taking place in South Bristol.

Options and proposals

Work has started looking at possible options for rapid transit linking the North and East Fringe via Bristol city centre with the major redevelopment taking place in South Bristol.

The work is being led by project teams in Bristol City and South Gloucestershire councils who are responsible for the delivery of the package. The West of England Partnership has a co-ordinating role between the elements of the package.

At this stage nothing is decided.  Each route will have to be investigated to see if it meets the objectives of the scheme and is possible and feasible.

Decisions about the route will be taken by Bristol City and South Gloucestershire council as appropriate.

North and East Fringe

Work has started on the development and initial assessment of rapid transit route options, linking the North Fringe via Bristol city centre with the major redevelopment taking place in South Bristol, running alongside the M32 and making use of existing land protected for rapid transit in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Local Plans. Route options in the North and East Fringe will link major employment and residential areas with the city centre via routes combining segregated alignments and on-street infrastructure.

Currently work is being carried out to identify possible rapid transit routes in the Aztec West and Harry Stoke area and also between Bradley Stoke and the M32.

Click here for a full size map of indicative route options in the North and East fringe of Bristol

In Bradley Stoke, it is likely that the rapid transit would make use of the land reservations already in place along Bradley Stoke Way. In Stoke Gifford there will be a new route across the railway line. This link will help to relieve the current congestion around the railway bridge near Parkway Station and on surrounding roads.

Route options from the East Fringe to the city centre which are being considered and tested include running either on or alongside the A4174 Avon Ring Road, serving the proposed Science Park (SPark) and Emersons Green East development.

 

South Bristol

 

South Bristol is currently the subject of wider regeneration studies that will need to be included when considering possible route options.  

 

Starting in Bristol city centre (Wapping Road), rapid transit route options include either crossing the New Cut on a new purpose built public transport river crossing to Coronation Road, or running via Redcliff Hill and Bedminster Bridge.

Between Coronation Road and Windmill Hill, segregated options include a new two-way busway running alongside St John’s Road and Dalby Avenue, before passing under the main Bristol-Taunton railway, either through a new underpass for the busway alongside the existing underpass, or by signals at the existing junction that will prioritise rapid transit movements through the existing railway underpass.

There is also a segregated route option that runs alongside the Malago Greenway corridor and via a dedicated busway adjacent to Hartcliffe Way prior to entering the Hengrove Park development.

On-street alternative options involving on-street running between East Street and West Street (Bedminster) and/or Bedminster Road. Reliable on-street running would require further bus priority measures and associated parking and access restrictions for general traffic.

Click here for a full size map of indicative route options in South Bristol

Bristol City Centre

The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Bristol city centre scheme already features a one-way, anticlockwise route serving Temple Meads, Cabot Circus, Broadmead and The Centre, including a new, high profile public transport interchange serving Temple Meads. 

The North Fringe to Hengrove Package would build on this scheme providing further, providing significant interchange improvements with conventional bus services in The Centre, together with further public realm and pedestrian improvements.

Park and ride

A park and ride site serving the M32 will provide clear benefits as this route experiences severe congestion at peak times. Delivery of the scheme in tandem with the rapid transit corridor will ensure a rapid and, where possible, segregated route for park and ride passengers bypassing congestion, reducing journey time and ensuring reliability, particularly for commuters into the city centre. Consideration of appropriate highway access for both cars and rapid transit to and from the park and ride site (when selected) is key, early discussions with the Highways Agency will be needed and will play a significant role in the detailed scheme design.