News / Transport
Date finally set for major walking and cycling improvement works
It’s been a long time coming but major improvements to a busy stretch of road for those journeying on two wheels and two feet in the city centre are finally on their way.
Work to was due to say at the end of 2023 to upgrade Park Row where a temporary bike lane was installed during the pandemic.
But this was widely been criticised, as a set of floppy plastic bollards meant to mark the lane were frequently driven over, with motorists often parking there and blocking cyclists’ way. A photo of the sub-standard cycling infrastructure went viral in August 2022.
is needed now More than ever
Now Bristol City Council has announced work to improve travel safety for walking, wheeling, and cycling along the street as well as the surrounding Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street is begin in March and will be completed by early 2025.
Part of the Department for Transport’s Active Travel programme, the project will upgrade cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and traffic signals, as well as create loading and disabled parking bays.
These changes, which also include the installation of “more resilient” cycle lane bollards, will hopefully “make it easier and safer for active travel; manage traffic flow and reduce pollution; and encourage more sustainable travel in the area”.
Vehicles often park along the cycle path on Perry Road leading onto Park Row, blocking cyclists’ access
Upper Maudlin Street is set to be transformed
Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport and councillor for Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston, said: “Having carried out detailed engagement with key stakeholders, residents and people who travel along Park Row and the surrounding area, I am really pleased that work on this major project will be starting in March.
“It will make this whole area more pleasant and safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and I hope it will encourage many more people to travel actively, improving their health and wellbeing and cutting congestion on Bristol’s roads and air pollution.
“Ahead of the Park Row area construction work starting, I’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us. We will keep disruption to a minimum and aim to keep both sides of traffic open as much as possible.”
Access to businesses along Park Row and the surrounding area will be maintained throughout the work
To keep up to date with the works, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/parkrow
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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