News / Transport

Work to begin to complete the Old Market ‘gap’

By Martin Booth  Friday Sep 8, 2023

It is a regular grumble among cyclists in Bristol that although our city does have some well-designed cycle lanes, they are too often disjointed.

So it is very good news indeed that work to complete the so-called Old Market ‘gap’ between the Old Market roundabout and Castle Park is starting on Monday.

The £1.2m scheme on the Castle Street and Tower Hill junction – funded by WECA through a grant from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund – is due to be completed by April 2024.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Work to join the recently completed Old Market Roundabout cycle route with Castle Park will begin on Monday – image: Bristol City Council

There will be a new segregated cycle route on Tower Hill; protected pedestrian spaces that connect the Old Market roundabout with Castle Street; and wider and safer crossing points for people walking and cycling

The Bristol City Council news release announcing the start of construction work says that “it is hoped cyclists will use this new route in favour of the Temple Way underpass as it is much quieter and cyclists and pedestrians will no longer need to share space, reducing conflict and potential accidents”.

A new segregated cycle route will be constructed on Tower Hill with protected pedestrian spaces – image: Bristol City Council

Cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said: “I’m delighted that work is starting to improve this junction for pedestrians and cyclists, offering an alternate route to the Temple Way underpass which can get very busy.

“It’s a key priority of this administration to continue to make our roads safer and more accessible for all, to encourage more people to travel actively and improve their health while helping us to cut congestion and air pollution in the city.

“This is one of a series of projects that we’re progressing to make cycling and walking throughout Bristol a safer and more pleasant experience.”

The scheme will close a gap in the current cycle route heading from east to west – image: Bristol City Council

Main image: Bristol City Council

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: