THE main road from Yate to Bristol is set to have new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and reduced speed limits under new plans drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council.
The council has launched a consultation on the plans to promote “active and sustainable travel” on the A432 Station Road and Badminton Road between Yate town centre and the Avon Ring Road.
They include:
*A new 20 mph speed limit along Station Road in Yate between the station and B&Q roundabout.
*A segregated two-way cycle track along the same stretch of Station Road
*No right turn from Station Road into North Road for traffic coming from the town centre
*The return of on-street short stay parking along Station Road in Yate
*A combination of segregated cycle lanes and ‘shared use’ paths between North Road and Coalpit Heath
*New or improved pedestrian crossings at the junctions with North Road, Longs Drive, Cranleigh Court Road, Stover Road and Nibley Lane in Yate.
*New or improved pedestrian crossings at the junctions with Beesmoor Road, Church Road, Woodside Road, Woodend Road, Station Road, Bell Road and near the viaduct in Coalpit Heath
*New pedestrian crossings at the Cuckoo Lane, Down Road and Park Lane junctions between Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath
*Improvements to bus stops, including relocating those in Station Road.
The intention of the plans it to make using the bus, walking, cycling and using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair along the A432 easier.
‘Safer’ environment for pedestrians and cyclists
Council cabinet member for transport Chris Willmore said: “Our proposals are about creating a safer and more pleasant environment for people who want to or need to walk, wheel or cycle. “Encouraging more people out of their cars and reducing the traffic along our main roads, like the A432, will also improve the quality of life of those living in the communities along the route.
“We must make travel safer and easier for those using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair and we need to create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
“I am also very pleased that our proposals include the return of much-needed on-street short stay parking along Station Road to support local businesses. I would encourage people who live and work along the A432 and those who travel along it to take part in our consultation. Let us know what you think of our proposals.”
The proposals are in addition to the cycle lanes which have already been installed along the A432 road and, if approved, would be funded by the Department for Transport via a fund administered by the West of England Combined Authority and reserved for new transport infrastructure projects.
The council says it cannot be used for funding bus services, fixing potholes or other services.
The consultation runs until August 20 and maps of the plans can be viewed and commented on here.
Anyone not online can call 01454 868004 for help.
A council spokesperson said that if the plan goes ahead it would aim to complete all building work before the reopening of the bridge over the M4, which is due to take place by early 2026, co-ordinating with National Highways to limit the impact on traffic.
Top: How the Station Road junction with Cranleigh Court Road could look under the project