News / Bristol
New link from Baldwin St to Hippodrome opening in April
The new link between Baldwin Street and St Augustine’s Parade is set to open on April 2.
But Bristol road users hoping for an end to months of traffic misery caused by the Metrobus works in the city centre are warned to expect further disruption as the effects of major changes to the network take hold.
Earlier work on the Baldwin Street link
Transport bosses say the latest overhaul of the centre will reduce congestion and create more space for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
is needed now More than ever
The link will enable motorists to cut directly through the pedestrianised area which used to be home to a circular wooden sail structure, originally designed to show the scale of the ships that also once congregated here.
Former mayor George Ferguson’s architecture practice designed the sail structure, which was originally installed on Anchor Road and relocated to the centre in 1999 – photo from July 2008 courtesy of Google Street View
Peter Mann, Bristol City Council’s service director for transport, said: “This is a really important milestone in the development of the city centre.
“This central area has been vulnerable to congestion, it locks up on a regular basis, particularly because of the scissor junction arrangements.
“The new link will perform a really important purpose – it will simplify traffic flow and tackle air pollution and congestion in the central areas.”
Work to link cycle routes is due to start soon and bikes will have a dedicated link from Castle Park all the way to the Hippodrome, completing the half-finished Baldwin Street segregated path, although this will not be ready by April 2.
Under the new system, traffic will no longer be able to turn right (northbound) from Baldwin Street to Lewins Mead, or left from Rupert Street to Baldwin Street and signs are being erected to warn motorists of the changes.
Here’s how it will work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEd5b_ycrUQ
Mark Bradshaw, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We are very grateful for people’s patience and understanding during these works. The new layout will bring some much-needed extra resilience to the transport network, helping to reduce congestion and benefit all road users.”
Baldwin Street will be closed to traffic from 7am to 5pm on Sunday, April 2, for the switchover and diversion routes will be in place. Roads are expected to be open before Monday, April 3.
Read more: Metrobus costs swell by up to £15m
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