Work on A4 Bath to Bristol transport upgrades set to start this autumn

Work on a series of sustainable transport improvements along the A4 between Bath and Bristol is due to begin in autumn 2026.

Newbridge Road in Bath

The scheme will include new bus lanes, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian crossings and changes to walking, wheeling and cycling routes between Saltford and Bath.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is delivering the investment in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Changes have been made to the original proposals following feedback received during a public consultation launched late last year.

The work is intended to reduce congestion and pollution, improve access to public transport and provide safer crossings near schools including Saltford CofE Primary School and IKB Academy.

Construction is expected to continue until the end of 2028. Residents and businesses will be contacted about planned work and any temporary diversions.

The project forms part of wider plans to improve active and sustainable travel connections between the Central Bath and Central Bristol growth areas, including Bristol Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District.

A separate consultation on revised proposals for the A4 in and around Keynsham is expected to begin in late July. An update on the consultation covering the Bristol sections of the route is also due to be published this summer.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: “Everyone in our region knows that traffic is often a problem along the A4, particularly at rush hour. These updated proposals are a result of listening to local communities and should help cut congestion and pollution.

“I’ll say again that we need more carrots, and less sticks, so that people have more reliable, sustainable options for how to get around the West – including improved school safety efforts.

“Thanks to the input of residents, our investment working with local councils can start to really make a difference that our communities can see and feel every day in and between Bath and Bristol.”

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and cabinet member for sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “We’re delighted that these improvements to the A4 Bath to Bristol corridor are now set to move forward.

“Shaped by feedback from local communities, the scheme will deliver safer, more accessible walking, wheeling, cycling and bus routes, helping people make more sustainable travel choices.

“From extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path into the heart of Bath to creating safer routes for school children, these investments will make everyday journeys easier, healthier and more connected. We look forward to seeing the benefits for residents across Bath and North East Somerset.”

The revised plans include a new 1.2km eastbound bus lane from Broadmead Roundabout to Copse Road and a two-way cycle lane alongside the pavement between Broadmead Roundabout and Ellsbridge Close.

Five new signal-controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists are proposed along the route and at Norman Road, with three more at Broadmead Roundabout.

The shared-use path connecting Twerton Fork with the Bristol and Bath Railway Path will be widened and provided with new lighting, while new signal-controlled crossings are planned at the Globe.

Other changes include reducing the speed limit to 40mph between the Globe Roundabout and Twerton Fork, installing raised crossings on side roads along Newbridge Road and upgrading traffic lights at Newbridge Hill and Windsor Bridge Road to give priority to buses.

A total of 31 bus stops will also be upgraded, including those at Norman Road, Lansdown Road and Twyning Road.