Safer journeys for children walking, wheeling and cycling to school will be among the benefits of three transport improvement schemes getting under way across Bath this summer and autumn.
Work is beginning on routes around Beckford Road, Sydney Place and Bear Flat, with further improvements planned through Royal Victoria Park. The projects are designed to make everyday journeys safer and more accessible, while also improving bus reliability and connections across the city.
Improvements along the A36 Beckford Road, Sydney Road and Sydney Place will strengthen links between Bath city centre, Sydney Gardens, the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Sydney Road quiet route, Bathwick St Mary’s Primary School and The Holburne Museum.
The work includes a new pedestrian and cycle crossing over the A36 Beckford Road at the entrance to the canal, new shared-use paths and upgraded crossings at Sydney Road, Sydney Place and the Great Pulteney Street junction.
The changes aim to make it easier for pupils and families to reach Bathwick St Mary’s Primary School without relying on a car, as well as improving access for residents and visitors travelling between the city centre, canal and Sydney Gardens.
Work at Bear Flat began on 30 July as part of the wider Somer Valley Links project, which is intended to improve travel between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Bath and Bristol. As well as reducing bus delays on the A367 and making services more reliable, the scheme will improve safety for children walking to schools in the Bear Flat area.
Plans include a safer and shorter pedestrian crossing on Wells Road, raised crossings over side roads, an extended northbound bus lay-by and an improved bus stop with seating and real-time travel information. The public space around Bear Flat will also be made more attractive and accessible.
Further improvements are planned in Royal Victoria Park this autumn, subject to a 21-day statutory consultation which began on 30 July.
The proposed route will improve connections between Weston and Bath city centre, including journeys made by families and young people travelling to schools, parks and other facilities. The revised plans follow feedback from residents and include heritage-style, environmentally sensitive lighting, resurfaced pavements, four raised crossings and a new zebra crossing on Park Lane.
A new cycle route will feature green surfacing and flexible ‘tulip wand’ separators to create a clear boundary between cyclists and vehicles. Parking will be retained, including provision during busy periods, while new disabled parking bays will be installed close to park amenities.
Vehicle access to Royal Victoria Park from Park Lane will also remain in place.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said: “We want to make it safer, easier and more pleasant for people to get around, whether they are walking, wheeling, cycling or using the bus and these schemes will help achieve that.
“They will improve everyday connections and, at Bear Flat, help buses run more reliably.
“In Royal Victoria Park, we have listened to feedback and refined the plans, retaining vehicle access while delivering better facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling through the park.”
The schemes are being funded through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “By investing in better facilities for walking, cycling and public transport, together we’re giving people across and around Bath more sustainable journey options.
“These improvements should all contribute to reducing congestion, improving air quality and making it safer for children to get to school.”
Residents can see the Royal Victoria Park proposals and respond to the statutory consultation through the council’s Weston to Bath city centre project webpage.
Find out more:
Royal Victoria Park and Weston to Bath city centre route:
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/weston-bath-city-centre
City centre to Kennet & Avon Canal route:
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/city-centre-kennet-avon-canal
Somer Valley Links:
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/somer-valley-links
