Plans for Portway bus lanes and lower speed limits are approved, but campaigners express concerns about pedestrian access.
Pedestrians and cyclists would also share a footpath. The speed limit lowers from 50mph to 40mph for most of the route. New bus lanes aim to speed up travel times. Several bus routes use the street, and more services are planned.
Few people currently walk or cycle there. The council plans to spend £10.7 million on the project, and resurfacing could cost another £8.4 million. Councillors approved the plan on February 6th. The West of England Combined Authority makes the final call. Campaigners may pressure them to change the project.
David Redgewell uses a wheelchair. He says the plan prevents crossing to the station. He uses Shirehampton station often and feels excluded by the current project. There is a footbridge, but it has steps, making it inaccessible to some.
Cyclists want a bike lane, not just a wider pavement. Nick Davies says it shouldn’t be a motorway and the current design is the problem. He views the pavement widening as insufficient, as it remains below the minimum recommended width.
Few people walk there to justify more pedestrian investment. A bike lane would narrow the road, increasing wear and tear from lorries. Reconstruction would cost about £25 million. Narrower lanes would concentrate vehicle impact, damaging the road more quickly. Reconstruction creates a stronger base, while resurfacing only applies a new top layer.
Council data shows only 6 pedestrians use the Portway hourly, with about 30 cyclists. The city feels the funds could be better used elsewhere. More pedestrians are unlikely there, and a cycle route already exists. The council feels a new path is not a good value.
The council struggles to maintain current crossings. Many areas need new crossings. The Portway sees limited pedestrian use, and extra crossings would delay bus travel. Councillor Don Alexander wants the existing bridge removed as he thinks it’s dangerous. Buses stop often when people want to cross.
The council spends £2 million near the park and ride. This will allow buses to turn left, and regional buses from north Somerset can now use it. They can reach the arena, Avonmouth, and Lawrence Weston. A new train station opened there.
