News / Transport
MetroBus ‘workmen are asleep’ on the job
The MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke Jack Lopresti has called an urgent meeting with those responsible for the Metrobus works in Bradley Stoke, which are causing major road congestion.
In a statement on his website he said: “As a resident of Almondsbury with an office in Bradley Stoke I fully understand, have experienced and share the total frustration of people stuck in traffic jams during commuting hours without much evidence it seems of work actually taking place on the Metrobus route.
30 mins to get to work when should take 5..????Damn roadworks..it’s now been 18 mths & no still no sign of finishing #BradleyStoke #Metrobus
— Faye Jones (@FLJones_x) November 17, 2016
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“Constituents have reported to me that whilst they are stuck in their cars in traffic jams they have seen workmen asleep on the site.He has invited representatives from the road contractors, Metrobus, South Gloucestershire Council including the lead councillor responsible for Transport in South Gloucestershire, councillor Colin Hunt to a meeting to try and hammer out a solution to the road works which are leading to huge rush hour tailbacks.”
He has had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, on Tuesday urging him to intervene.
Just had my meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss the MetroBus works in #bradleystoke pic.twitter.com/L2UJLt0UtV
— Jack Lopresti MP (@Jackloprestimp) November 21, 2016
“This evening in my meeting with the Secretary of State, I will be urging him to intervene and put pressure on South Gloucestershire Council and the contractors to get a grip of the situation to complete the works as quickly as possible.
“The works have gone on for too long and are not being done with due understanding and appreciation for people who have to get in and out of Bradley Stoke every day. The Metrobus works need to be completed as quickly as possible with the minimum disruption to local residents.”
The MetroBus project will be made up of a route from Ashton Vale to Temple Meads and Cribbs Causeway to the city centre via Emersons Green.
It includes an overhaul of the city centre layout and will provide an express bus service on 31 miles of segregated bus lanes. Extra cycle lanes will also be built alongside part of the route.
In October a spokeswoman for MetroBus said: “The councils apologise for the disruption during the build, but it will be worth it – reducing congestion, improving air quality and providing a brand new public transport option.”
Bristol 24/7 have contacted MetroBus for a comment.
Read more: MetroBus costs rise