After two years of traffic restrictions, Gipsy Patch Lane in Stoke Gifford will finally reopen to two-way traffic next month. South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed the road will open fully on Monday, April 25 after more closures over the Easter holidays.
Work on the key route, which has caused major disruption in the area, has included the replacement of the old railway bridge, and the widening of paths and bus lanes. It is part of the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME), designed to help reduce congestion and improve journey times between Bristol Parkway and Cribbs Causeway.
The council says to enable the road to reopen both ways in April, resurfacing work will need to take place over the Easter period. From Friday, April 8 at 8pm to Monday, April 25 at 6am, the road will be closed to all traffic between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and the entrance to Pegasus Park.
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During this period all side roads along Gipsy Patch Lane that fall within the closure will be closed to traffic. This includes the junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service roads, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue.
There will be signed diversion routes in place throughout the closure. Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent, Pegasus Park and the Stokers Pub will remain open for business as usual and can be accessed via signed diversions.
Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic from 6am on Monday, April 25. All side road junctions will also reopen to traffic from this date.
After April 25 road widening will continue to be carried out on Gispy Patch Lane, west of the railway bridge. To enable this work, narrow lanes will be in place along this stretch of the carriageway.
The council says the main construction work for the CPME is due to complete in September this year. Other work, such as the installation of iPoints, bus shelters and landscaping will be complete in the autumn.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “The Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension is a key step in our ambition to improve public transport, walking and cycling facilities, and the road network in South Gloucestershire as part of our record £174 million investment.
“It is also part of our commitment to tackle climate change by encouraging more people out of their cars and onto sustainable transport options, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. The reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane to two-way traffic is another move towards the completion of this flagship scheme.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work and thank the local community for their continued patience.”
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