Key route between two cities to be upgraded

The A4 between Bristol and Bath is often congested during peak times

A series of major upgrades to a key route between two cities have been unveiled.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) revealed on Tuesday new proposals to revamp the A4 between Bristol and Bath.

Under the plans, road crossings and bus stops will be upgraded, with new segregated cycle lanes and bus lanes installed. The Bristol to Bath Railway Path could also be extended.

Helen Godwin, the Weca mayor, said the proposals follow feedback from 5,000 residents in 2023 and "should help cut congestion and pollution".

About 150 bus stops are to be upgraded as part of the work

The fresh proposals will go out to public consultation from Tuesday to 2 December.

They include:

• 40 new and upgraded pedestrian crossings

• Extending the Bristol and Bath Railway Path by half a mile into Bath city centre

• About 150 upgraded bus stops

• New segregated, two-way cycle lanes near and to St Brendan's College and Oasis Academy Brislington

• New bus lanes

Weca confirmed officials are also revisiting shelved plans which include the upgrading the section of the A4 between Emery Road and Hicks Gate roundabout, and a new relief road.

Ms Godwin said the A4 is often congested, particularly at rush hour.

"These revised proposals are a result of listening to local people, including in Keynsham and Saltford earlier this year, and should help cut congestion and pollution.

"I've said before and will say again that we need more carrots, and less sticks, so that people have more reliable, sustainable options for how to get around our region," she added.

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said better transport links between Bristol and Bath will "boost economic growth and social connectivity".

The proposals will be funded by the government through the Department for Transport's city region sustainable transport settlement.