Work to radically change a key dual-carriageway route into Bristol from north Somerset will mean the road is completely closed every night for the next two weeks, starting from tonight (Monday, March 27).
Roadworks began on the A370 Long Ashton bypass in early March with the road narrowed to one lane - something that has already caused long tailbacks on the road from Backwell into Ashton Gate.
But from tonight North Somerset Council begin a series of overnight closures, which will send motorists on a diversion through the village of Long Ashton, with the road closed between the Flax Bourton exit and the park-and-ride exit on the edge of Bristol.
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The Long Ashton bypass is the first in North Somerset to be part of a major scheme to improve bus services across the region. North Somerset Council is working alongside the
Four weeks of roadworks will start next month on one of the main roads into Bristol. It is the first work to take place as part of a major scheme to improve bus services across the region, as part of something called a BSIP - a Bus Service Improvement Plan.
The main A370 is being resurfaced and a new bus lane is being created at junctions, on the northbound side into Bristol. This will replace the current 'high occupancy lane' which encouraged car sharing, and when the work is completed, the Long Ashton bypass will be down to one lane city-bound, with cameras set up to catch any motorist sneaking onto the bus lane.
Long Ashton Bypass is the first of 18 planned bus improvements works to help make bus travel the first choice for travellers. Other initial schemes include Barrow Gurney, Brockley Coombe, Wood Hill, Beggar Bush Lane junction and Marcombe Road, south of the M5.
Steve Hogg, executive member for transport and highways at North Somerset Council, said: “Securing this money is a major boost for travel across North Somerset and it’s great to see our plans for improved bus services coming to life so quickly. Introducing a bus lane on one of the key routes into Bristol will make public transport an easier and quicker route choice for many people travelling to work or for leisure.
“These improvement works will result in more services and increased frequencies which are key to enabling people to travel around North Somerset by public transport, offering equal access to employment, shopping and leisure.”
The road will be closed every night from 8pm to 6am from Monday, March 27, to April 6.
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