News / Bristol Bridge
Traffic on Bristol Bridge has dropped by half
Traffic on Bristol Bridge has dropped by around half as a result of the closure of the road to general traffic.
The closure of the bridge has also reduced congestion and improved bus reliability in the city centre.
In August 2020, priority was given to buses, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians travelling through the city centre as part of a scheme to ease congestion and reduce pollution in the centre of Bristol.
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Camera-monitored bus gates installed on Bristol Bridge, Baldwin Street and Union Street so although motorised vehicles can still access Baldwin Street and Union Street using other routes, they can no longer use these roads to cut through the city.
“We are taking bold action to create a better, more connected future for everyone in and around Bristol,” says mayor Marvin Rees on the changes.
“Restricting through-traffic from the city centre is one way we will help to protect public health and unlock barriers to inclusive economic growth with cleaner air, safer and better public transport, and improved walking and cycling routes for everyone.”
Plans to close the bridge to general traffic were already in the pipeline but were accelerated because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme had been implemented temporarily as a trial, with the intention to make it permanent if successful.
Bus gates give priority to buses, solo motorcycles, taxis, cycles and pedestrians. Photo: Martin Booth
Anyone who uses Bristol Bridge, particularly local businesses, has until midnight on Monday, February 1 to give their views on the closure of the bridge to most traffic.
Bristol City Council will consider all the feedback from the consultation before deciding whether to make the scheme permanent, with a decision expected in the summer.
“We appreciate this has been a big change for the city’s transport network and that there will be a period of adjustment as we all get used to the new road layout,” says Kye Dudd, cabinet member for transport.
“We have been monitoring the impacts of the trial closely and we’re really keen for local residents, businesses and groups to take part in the consultation and give us their views on how it has gone.
“Before the current lockdown, Bristol’s air pollution was rising again, and it is vital that we do everything we can to bring levels down to within legally compliant levels in the shortest time possible.
“We are making lots of improvements to make walking and cycling easier and safer and we would encourage Bristolians to make use of the dedicated routes we are providing, as well as having their say in the Bristol Bridge consultation.”
The changes to Bristol Bridge have meant that First Bus could double the amount of number 2 buses using the road and has improved reliability for the company’s 25 bus routes that serve the city centre.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: New traffic rules and pop-up cycle lanes for roads across Bristol
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