News / Transport
Temple Gate roadworks extended due to ‘unforeseen problems’
Commuters all too familiar with traffic disruption around Temple Gate shouldn’t expect respite anytime soon, as roadworks have been hit with lengthy delays.
Bristol City Council has announced that the £11m project at the major roundabout, meant to ease congestion and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, is now expected to go on until autumn 2019 – nine months after the original completion date.
This is due to “unforeseen problems”, including the discovery of Victorian cellars under the road, as well as uncharted cables and pipes, requiring major changes to the planned works.
is needed now More than ever
In addition, the council is installing an underground heat network as part of the project in a bid to meet the city’s carbon reduction targets and help tackle fuel poverty in the area. This has added a further layer of complexity that has contributed to the hold up.
Mhairi Threlfall has apologised for the delay
Mhairi Threlfall, the council’s cabinet member for transport, has apologised for the delays and ongoing disruption, but said the completed project – which started in June 2017 – will bring significant improvements.
“Traffic around Temple Circus has always been a real problem, we had huge issues with congestion and we’re working hard to make the area better for everyone,” she said.
“The key is to simplify it and allow traffic to flow through better, as well as improve access for pedestrians and cyclists. This has been a very complex project and we have met some unexpected challenges.
“Once completed, the new layout will improve the journeys of the millions of people who travel through Temple Gate every year. The scheme will also create new public spaces and give a much better first impression of Bristol for visitors arriving into Temple Meads, as well as delivering the first phase of our ambitious heat networks programme. I am grateful to everyone for bearing with us while we make these much-needed improvements to our city.
“On behalf of the council I sincerely apologise for this delay and the ongoing disruption.”
The discovery of underground cellars has added to delays
The heat network will be made up of underground pipes to local energy centres that will supply low cost, low carbon heart to nearby buildings. Ultimately, the plan is to link to an entire city-wide network.
Threfall admitted the delay to the roadworks will have a cost implication, but said the £11m of Local Enterprise Partnership money set aside for it includes a contingency amount, so it is expected to come in just over this total.
She added that the council is expecting to make money back from the sale of land in the centre of the roundabout that will be freed up for redevelopment. Threlfall also stressed the health benefits associated with easing congestion and making it easier for people to cycle or walk.
An aerial view of the site when the redevelopment work is complete
Last year, a planning application was lodged for a new nine-storey mixed-use development on the site, although campaigners are calling for the council to save the historic Grosvenor Hotel that has stood dilapidated for several years.
Threlfall says she welcomes input from the public on future plans for the site, which currently include the transformation of another derelict building (far left in the picture below) into Engine Shed 2.
An artists’ impression of the site in the future
Read more: Campaigners call for help to save Bristol’s Grosvenor Hotel
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