South Gloucestershire Council has launched a consultation on proposals to add additional lanes to the A4174 Ring Road between Coldharbour Lane and the M32 junction.
The lanes will run in both the eastbound and westbound directions and the existing carriageway from Coldharbour Lane to the M32 junction will be widened to accommodate the new lanes.
The scheme is part of the £70million investment into the Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) to develop 10 showcase bus corridors across the West of England.
Although the number of lanes for general traffic will not be reduced, only buses, taxis, motorcycles and cyclists, HGVs and cars with two or more occupants will be permitted to use the proposed new lanes.
The extra road space that is being proposed to accommodate priority vehicles will also free up room in the general traffic lanes, which will ensure that all road users benefit from these proposed improvements.
Councillor Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “The additional priority vehicle lanes that we are proposing should reduce journey times for buses and improve reliability making bus travel a more attractive option for more of our residents.
“Furthermore, moving certain vehicles out of the general traffic lanes and into the extra priority vehicle lane will free up space for those motorists who will not qualify to use the new additional lanes ensuring that they too benefit from improved journey times.
“It is important to stress that we are not reducing the number of lanes for general traffic. In fact, by creating extra road space, we are aiming for every road user to benefit from this proposed scheme and so we hope that people will take the time to comment on the plans we are putting forward.”
People are being invited to give their views on the proposals. To find out more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/consultation or phone 01454 863640.
The deadline for comments is Monday 9 November.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
