The A431 between Bath and Kelston is set to close for four days next week for the removal of overhanging trees which are causing buses to be re-routed via the A4 because of safety concerns.
Preparatory works are due to begin today, Wednesday 22nd May, Bath & North East Somerset Council has announced.
The temporary re-routing of First’s 19 service, which links Bath and Parkway Station, and the Oldfield School bus (OS1), has left people in Bitton, Swineford and Kelston without public transport since Friday 10th May.
It follows an incident two weeks ago in which a bus carrying schoolchildren along the A431 hit a branch, which resulted in smashed windows and a number of children on the top deck sustaining minor injuries.
According to reports on social media, it was not an isolated incident, although we are waiting for First to confirm that.
Services 19 and OS1 are currently diverting after serving The Beeches bus stop on Barry Road in Oldland Common via Keynsham and Saltford to Bath Bus Station in both directions.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We will be carrying out works on the overhanging trees on the A431 Kelston Road from Tuesday 28th May to Friday 31st May to take advantage of reduced traffic during school half term week and minimise disruption to motorists.
“Access will be maintained for residents during the closure although there may be some disruption.
“Ahead of this, we will begin some preparatory works under two-way temporary traffic signals on a short section of the road during restricted times of 9.30am to 3.30pm.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and short notice but hope people will understand that the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.”
The “essential works” next week will see the closure of the A431 between the junction with Penn Hill Road in Bath and the access road to Kelston Park.
The road will remain open for cyclists and pedestrians under the direction of a marshal.
