News / Transport
Cycle concerns over year-long bridge closure
A busy pedestrian and cycle commuter route will be diverted onto a bypass while Ashton Avenue Bridge is closed for 12 months to accommodate the controversial new MetroBus route.
MetroBus has promised that the signed diversion along Brunel Way will be safe, keeping cyclists and pedestrians segregated from traffic and not closing a vehicle lane.
is needed now More than ever
Ashton Avenue Bridge, which connects the Create Centre to the area near Greville Smyth Park, will be refurbished to take the new rapid transit guided buses. Improvements to the bridge will also include a new cycle and pedestrian path.
But the bridge’s planned closure was met by initial concern from cycle campaigners who raised questions over the safety of the temporary diversion.
Full details and a start date have not been decided yet, but it is understood the bridge is likely to close in the Autumn.
Travel West, which runs the MetroBus project, told Bristol24/7 that work was being done with council cycling officers to ensure the diversion would be as safe as possible, with full details to be published as soon as possible.
Cycling improvements will also be made to both Ashmead Way and McAdam Way to complement the main diversion whist the bridge is closed, Travel West said.
The refurbishment is all part of the £200 Million MetroBus project which aims to improve poor transport links in and around Bristol.
The plans will also see Ashton Avenue Bridge accommodate a new 3.5-metre wide pedestrian and cycling track that MetroBus say will be wider, smoother and safer than the current pathway.
The Grade II listed Bridge was completed in 1906. Originally it carried a road deck and operating cabin along the top girder, however these were removed in 1965.
“@brizzlebuff: Aerial view of Bristol Harbour 1946 http://t.co/Tp5yPfCpQo”>amazing pic of Ashton Swing Bridge as a major road!
— Mark Bradshaw (@mark_bradshaw) October 20, 2013
1906 Ashton Swing Bridge, Bristol BS3 http://t.co/T5fqSBVQim
— Paul Townsend (@brizzlebuff) March 9, 2014
1913 Ashton Swing Bridge, Bristol BS3 http://t.co/CBzsvcgVqL
— Paul Townsend (@brizzlebuff) March 9, 2014
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Cycling charity Sustrans is asking the public to contribute to its Bristol Good Transport Plan.
The charity has already released a draft copy which includes suggestions for “better bus and train services, protected walking and cycling routes with safer crossings at junctions, more low emission vehicles and fewer lorries on our roads, reducing through traffic in the city centre and community-led street improvements”.
A revised version of the plans will be published when the charity receive their suggestions from the public.