Members of the public are being given the chance to have their say on a major transport scheme which links parts of Bath, North East Somerset and Bristol.
How the scheme could look for the Wellsway | Image © B&NES Council
The aim of the Somer Valley Links (SVL) project is to improve travel choices for residents, such as enhancing bus infrastructure and increasing opportunities for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
A public consultation is running until midnight on Sunday 16th March.
The SVL project would introduce eight new mobility hubs and improvements including 22 bus stop upgrades and nearly a kilometre of new bus lanes.
Additionally, the project would bring changes to the walking, wheeling, and cycling network, making sustainable travel more accessible and convenient for all.
The project covers an area from Whitchurch southwards through Pensford, Clutton, Temple Cloud and Farrington Gurney, then moving through the Somer Valley (Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Peasedown St. John) and northwards towards Bath via Odd Down and A367 Wellsway.
Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and previously led by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), the SVL project is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme.
Changes proposed at Bear Flat | Image © B&NES Council
The project aims to provide more travel choices, reduce congestion, connect rural areas to towns and cities, and improve air quality across Bath & North East Somerset.
The scheme would include over 5km of footway improvements, 3km of new footways, more than a kilometre of new cycleways, 25 new pedestrian crossings and eight pedestrian crossing improvements.
In Bath, changes on the Wellsway include a northbound bus lane towards Bath, the removal of the central reservation so the carriageway can be realigned and the inclusion of a two-way cycle lane.
On Bear Flat, wider pavements would be introduced with the potential to move the northbound bus stop. Reducing the crossing distance at the traffic lights will benefit traffic during peak times.
The project went out to consultation in summer 2023, and an engagement report is available on the council’s website here.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, said:?”The Somer Valley Links project would significantly enhance sustainable travel options in our region.
“By improving bus infrastructure and creating safer, more convenient walking and cycling routes, we are making it easier for residents to choose sustainable modes of transport.
“The scheme would see some reallocation of road space, including a small reduction in on-street car parking in some areas.
“We want to gather as much feedback as possible from the community to ensure its successful delivery.”
A number of consultation events are being held:
- Temple Cloud Village Hall, Temple Cloud – 24th February (3pm to 7pm)
- The Hive, Peasedown St John – 26th February (3pm to 7pm)
- Pensford Memorial Hall, Pensford – 27th February (2pm to 6pm)
- St Luke’s Church, Wellsway, Bath – 5th March (3pm to 7pm)
- Trinity Hub, Radstock – 6th March (3pm to 7pm)
For more information and to participate in the consultation, visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/SVL
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is responsible for distributing the UK Government’s City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funds to viable schemes in the region.
