THE main road from the Frome Valley to Yate and Bristol is set to have new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and reduced speed limits under new plans drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council.
The council has launched a consultation on the plans to promote “active and sustainable travel” on the A432 Badminton Road between Yate town centre and the Avon Ring Road.
They include:
*A combination of segregated cycle lanes and ‘shared use’ paths in Coalpit Heath and Yate
*New or improved pedestrian crossings at Beesmoor Road (pictured above), Church Road, Woodside Road, Woodend Road, Station Road, Bell Road and near the viaduct in Coalpit Heath
*New pedestrian crossings at the Cuckoo Lane, Down Road and Park Lane junctions between Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath
*A new 20 mph speed limit along Station Road in Yate between the station and B&Q roundabout.
*Improvements to bus stops
*The return of on-street short stay parking along Station Road in Yate
The intention of the plans it to make using the bus, walking, cycling and using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair along Badminton Road easier.
Council cabinet member for transport Chris Willmore said: “Our proposals are about creating a safer and more pleasant environment for people who want to or need to walk, wheel or cycle.
“Encouraging more people out of their cars and reducing the traffic along our main roads, like the A432, will also improve the quality of life of those living in the communities along the route.”
Plans address ‘long-standing issues and concerns’
Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Jon Lean said: “The proposals for Coalpit Heath help address a number of long-standing issues and concerns local people have.
“For example, the new cycle lanes will help prevent HGV parking outside Sainsbury’s.
“Badminton Road can get very busy, so the introduction of signalised crossings at key locations like outside Sainsbury’s and at the Church Road and Beesmoor Road junctions will be very welcome.”
The proposals are in addition to the cycle lanes which have already been installed along the main road and, if approved, would be funded by the Department for Transport via a fund administered by the West of England Combined Authority and reserved for new transport infrastructure projects.
The council says it cannot be used for funding buses, fixing potholes or other services.
The consultation runs until August 20 and maps of the plans can be viewed and commented on here.
Anyone not online can call 01454 868004 for help.
A council spokesperson said that if the plan goes ahead it would aim to complete all building work before the reopening of the bridge over the M4, which is due to take place by early 2026, co-ordinating with National Highways to limit the impact on traffic.