Bedminster Green regeneration: All upcoming road changes as major works begin

A catalogue of road changes are about to take place in Bristol’s Bedminster Green as works to transform the area’s travel network next week.

The installation of low-carbon District Heat Network pipework and improvements to public transport, walking and cycling connections along Malago Road/Dalby Avenue (A38) will begin on January 10.

The works form the first steps of Bristol City Council’s Bedminster Green regeneration plans, which have been more than two years - with better public transport routes high on the agenda.

The plans will also see 2,000 new homes built, including affordable homes and student accommodation.

To make way for work, these road changes will be in place from January 10

• Malago Road/Dalby Avenue (A38) will be one-way southbound only (from the East Street/Dalby Avenue junction to the Malago Road/Sheene Road junction).
• Access from Dean Lane onto Coronation Road will be restricted to prevent additional traffic using Dean Lane. Cycle access will not be affected.
• Road closure on St John’s Road temporarily removed (southbound only) to allow diversion route to Malago Trade Park.
• Hereford Street car park will remain in use.

Motorists going against the one-way system on Malago Road and Dalby Avenue, could go around Victoria Park on St John’s Lane to get to the city centre.

Protecting bus routes while the works take place has been a priority, said the council.

By using the one-way system, buses in and out of the city centre will be unaffected.

East Street will remain open for northbound bus services, and buses out of the centre will still be able to use Malago Road/Dalby Avenue going south.

 Installation of sustainable heating and travel routes mark some of the first steps in the transformation of the area.

In 2020 residents were asked their opinion on early proposals to make public transport, walking and cycling easier, with detailed proposals formally consulted on in early 2021.

The council’s plans, which it says were ‘well supported’ by residents, include a new and continuous bus lane along  Malago Road/Dalby Avenue (A38)  along with upgraded pedestrian and cycle crossings and new and improved cycle lanes .

Roads and footways will also be resurfaced and the junction of Sheene Road and Malago Road refurbished at the same time to minimise disruption.

The Bedminster Green project also includes restoring the River Malago, bringing it above ground.

It is hoped this will help to boost biodiversity and reduce flood risk, as well as creating a new space for people to enjoy.

More detail on plans for the river restoration will be shared in 2022.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “These sustainable travel and heating improvements are exciting steps in the transformation of Bedminster Green into an environmentally-friendly, low-carbon neighbourhood.

“The wider regeneration project is a significant opportunity to bring the new and affordable homes we need to the city in a way that responds to the climate and ecological emergencies.

“Alongside making it easier to travel and heat homes more sustainably, the restoration of the River Malago will bring ecological net gains to the area, helping improve the local environment for residents and wildlife alike.”