News / st george
Plans to improve ‘dangerous’ corner in St George
Residents are being asked to give feedback on new plans designed to improve safety on a corner branded a danger to pedestrians.
The sharp bend as Conham Road becomes Crews Hole Road is notorious in the area due the lack of visibility for people attempting to cross the road where the footpath ends.
For many, the only way to access the nearby Conham River Park means navigating the notorious corner, which has no pavement on the riverside and is flanked by a high wall and vegetation on the other.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol City Council is now consulting on plans it hopes will improve safety in the area.
The planned improvements include:
- Extending the footpath around the eastern side of the bend (away from the river) and adding a dropped kerb at “optimum level for visibility”.
- Widening the road slightly on the riverside to accommodate the additional pavement space (while retaining access to the River Avon Trail for maintenance vehicles). This will mean the footway on this side is narrowed.
- Clearing overhanging vegetation.
It follows a rejection of earlier proposals to make Conham Road one way and install a cycle lane as it was deemed the measures would have left the area cut-off in bad weather.
Pedestrians trying to cross Conham Road at the bend have very poor visibility – photo by Ellie Pipe
Speaking about the latest plans, Fabian Breckels, a Labour councillor for St George, Troopers Hill, says he hopes they will make the road “significantly safer for everyone”.
“I have been very concerned about this dangerous corner for a number of years, and I am relieved that these plans are being put forward for consultation,” said Breckels.
Navigating the dangerous corner is the only option for many people trying to access Conham River Park – photo by Ellie Pipe
Funding was secured for improvements at the start of last year and Breckels says he has worked with council officers on the proposed scheme over the summer and autumn. A public consultation has now been launched on the plans and will run until January 31
Breckels added: “This plan modifies the western side of the road, to provide a safer place for pedestrians to stand while waiting to cross and retains access to the River Avon Trail for maintenance vehicles. It will be better for everyone, local residents, pedestrians, cyclists and even motorists.
“As soon as funds allow, we can add a speed table at the crossing to slow vehicles down and add another crossing, with its own speed table, at the other end of Conham Road, where the cycle and footpath continues beside the river.”
People can give feedback on the plans via www.bristol.citizenspace.com/place/conham-road/.
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: Knowle West residents demand council tackles speeding drivers
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
