News / Transport
Traffic lights on bridge have not worked for more than a week
The quickest diversion route while Gaol Ferry Bridge is closed is across Bedminster Bridge, where traffic lights have now been out of operation for more than a week.
The road has been narrowed by cones but both cyclists and pedestrians have complained that once again car drivers have seemingly been prioritised over active travel.
While the traffic lights are not working, it is a dangerous scenario for all road users around the bridge-cum-roundabout which links Coronation Road, Commercial Road, Bedminster Parade, York Road, Clarence Road and Redcliff Hill.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol24/7 understands that the parts needed to repair the lights are no longer manufactured and that the council is having difficulties sourcing replacements.
Cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said that the lights will be fixed “as soon as we have the spare parts needed for the signals”.
On Wednesday morning, Sarah Connolly tweeted: “Hey @BristolCouncil, my commute is hideous right now. Gaol Ferry Bridge closed, so I cross Bedminster Bridge – but traffic lights there have not been working for a week. I have to run through traffic twice a day. Please can the crossing be reinstated ASAP.”
Replying to Alexander saying that the council are waiting for spare parts, @laursbobbins said: “Can nothing else be done at all in the interim? Maybe putting up some temporary lights? Because if someone is struck and killed by a car then it’s going to look awkward that the council was waiting 10 days for parts for some traffic lights.”
Alexander responded: “Temporary lights are not as reliable. There’s a danger of making things worse. We have narrowed the carriageway with cones.”
But for @laursbobbins, this is not good enough.
She said: “As others have already pointed out, the priority with this ‘solution’ is all about vehicles, and not pedestrians or other vulnerable road users. I currently have to change my route into the centre if walking, because it’s not safe to cross there, especially with my toddler.”
Bristol24/7 has asked Bristol City Council for comment.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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