Bristol 'bearpit' roundabout improvement delayed further

The work is being done in an attempt to make the busy roundabout more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly

Work to make one of Bristol's busiest roundabouts more pedestrian friendly is nearly a year behind schedule.

Businesses near the St James Barton roundabout said they have been told the improvements will not be finished until "the end of May".

The work will introduce traffic lights and alterations to pavements on the Stokes Croft and Haymarket approaches.

Bristol City Council said it put the delays down to the "complexity of the remaining works".

The roundabout lies at the end of the main route into Bristol from the M32 to Newfoundland Way.

Bristol City Council said there are problems with the pedestrian access points

The work started in January 2014, when the council estimated it would conclude by the end of that summer.

'Bespoke engineering solutions'

But the date was put back to December, then February 2015, and now the latest is the end of May.

A spokeswoman said: "Bespoke engineering solutions were required to accommodate the new pedestrian access points within the existing infrastructure.

"It's not always possible to foresee all of the problems which can lead to delays," she said.

Bristol City Council said it put the delays down to the "complexity of the remaining works"

"The £1.2m scheme will provide new pedestrian and off-road cycle routes, helping to improve connections between neighbourhoods.

"It will also transform the Bearpit, turning a once neglected area of the city into a welcoming place."