The South Glos Post

A number of overnight road closures have been scheduled for the M32 junction 1 and Coldharbour Lane during September.

The closures take place between 8pm and 6am and form part of work to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow prior to completion of the showcase bus corridor scheme in Spring 2012.

On the M32 junction 1, the northbound slip road from the ring road onto junction 1 of the M32 will be closed on 8th, 9th, 10th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th September for resurfacing works. Temporary diversion routes will be clearly signed.

Coldharbour Lane will also be closed on 5th, 6th and 7th September for resurfacing works, again with clear temporary diversions. On 19th, 20th and 21st September there will be lane closures at Coldharbour Lane but the road will still be accessible to traffic.

Read on for full details of the diversions that will be in force »

Work to widen the roundabout where junction 1 of the M32 meets the A4174 Ring Road has been completed as part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network scheme.

The roundabout layout between the A4174 and the M32 has been altered to provide an additional lane for all vehicles in order to reduce congestion and speed up the flow of traffic. This means that there are now four lanes for general traffic all the way around the roundabout. The work has been carried out as part of the Greater Bristol Bus Network, a scheme to improve bus services throughout the Bristol area. As the additional lane added is for the use of all vehicles, the improvements will not only benefit the buses along the route but also general motorists.

Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “This is a heavily congested area for all road users so these new measures will benefit everyone by adding additional highway capacity at this busy junction. The Greater Bristol Bus Network is not only about improving the local bus network but it is also aimed at improving the traffic flow for all vehicles.”

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Source: South Gloucestershire Council

South Gloucestershire Council in conjunction with Bristol City Council is undertaking consultation on the development of a major transport scheme – the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

The Package was identified in the South West Regional Funding Advice with a total allocation of £168m and comprises of a proposed rapid transit network with two branches in South Gloucestershire. One in Aztec West – through Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Coldharbour Lane. The second branch will run from Emersons Green past Hambrook and both routes will go along the M32 to Bristol city centre.

In July, the Government announced ‘in principle’ funding for the scheme.

Consultation has now started in the run up to submitting a Major Scheme Business Case to the Department for Transport in March 2010.

Residents and businesses are urged to get involved and have their say on the proposed rapid transit routes.

Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “By working together through the West of England Partnership, the four authorities have an impressive track record in attracting major investment in transport in the area, including the North Fringe to Hengrove Package.

“This important transport scheme is designed to tackle congestion and enhance quality of life by improving road safety, air quality, and access to job opportunities. It is also intended to help people get to school and work more efficiently and strengthen the local economy by ensuring that there are realistic alternatives to car travel. All in all, it will have a hugely positive impact for our residents and businesses.

“We look forward to hearing the views of residents and businesses on our proposals and hope they will take the time to respond to this consultation.”

Exhibitions are planned for:

• Aztec West 30 Nov to 4 Dec (un-staffed)
• Willow Brook Centre (Tesco) Bradley Stoke 30 Nov to 7 Dec (un-staffed)
• University of the West of England (Frenchay campus, One Zone lounge) Thursday 3 Dec noon to 2pm (staffed)
• Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre/Library Saturday 5 Dec 9am to noon (staffed)
• Sainsburys Emersons Green 7 to 14 Dec (un-staffed)
• The Community Hall in Little Stoke 9 Dec 4pm to 8pm (staffed)

Information including a questionnaire is now available on the website – www.travelplus.org.uk/NorthFringetoHengrove – alternatively call 01454 868004.

Postcards with details of the exhibitions are being distributed to 30,000 householders along the route. Leaflets will also be available in local libraries from Monday 30 November.

Source: South Gloucestershire Council