Work is set to start on three walking, wheeling and cycling routes along the A36 Beckford Road and Sydney Place in Bath. Further work has begun at Bear Flat, where the measures will also help improve bus reliability on the A367. In Royal Victoria Park, improvements are planned to improve links between Weston and the city centre, and these are due to be delivered this autumn, subject to a 21-day statutory consultation.
The proposals for Royal Victoria Park are designed to make it safer, easier and more accessible for people to travel actively through the park and ensure it’s welcoming for everyone.
The council consulted on earlier proposals last year and the revised design reflects residents’ feedback. It includes heritage-style, eco-sensitive lighting to support safety and year-round use, resurfaced pavements to improve accessibility, four new raised crossings to support pedestrian priority and slow traffic, and a new zebra crossing on Park Lane. Vehicles will still be able to access the park from Park Lane, as they do now.
A new cycle route features green surfacing and flexible ‘tulip wand’ separators to create a clear boundary from the road. Parking provision will be retained to meet demand, including at peak times, and new disabled bays will be installed close to amenities.e.
Work to make it better to walk, wheel and cycle around A36 Beckford Road, Sydney Road and Sydney Place will support links between Bath city centre, Sydney Gardens, the Kennet & Avon Canal, Sydney Road quiet route, Bathwick St Mary’s Primary School and The Holburne Museum.
Included are a new pedestrian and cycle crossing over the A36 Beckford Road at the canal entrance, new shared-use paths, and upgraded crossings at Sydney Road, Sydney Place and the Great Pulteney Street/A36 junction to improve access.
Work at Bear Flat is part ofthe Somer Valley Links project to improve travel between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Bath and Bristol. Measures will help reduce bus delays on the A367, make journeys more reliable, improve safety for children walking to nearby schools, and create a more attractive and accessible public space.
The scheme includes a safer, shorter pedestrian crossing on Wells Road, an extended northbound bus lay-by, an improved bus stop with seating and real-time information, raised side-road crossings, and an improved public space.
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 improvements will create safer crossings, better accessibility and a more welcoming environment for everyone.”
(Picture: Bath & North East Somerset Council)
