Bristol A4 Portway roadworks to last 9 months - here's what to expect

Works will be starting soon on Bristol’s A4 Portway to complete the second phase of a project to reduce congestion, improve the reliability of buses, and promote active travel along a major transport route in Bristol.

The works will begin on June 16 to improve the pavement along the A4 Portway by widening and resurfacing pavements, re-aligning kerbs, and improving the street lighting along the route, and are expected to take nine months to be completed.

It follows after essential maintenance work was carried out during the first phase, including drainage works.

While access for pedestrians and cyclists and all road users will be maintained throughout the works, there will be lane closures, reduced speed limits, and some temporary walkways in place.

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: "It’s fantastic that after all of the planning, public engagement and refining of the plans, work is starting to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle along the Portway.

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“This initial work is part of a multi-million project that will see this main route between north and south Bristol upgraded so it works better for all road users, including people travelling by bus.

“It complements our ongoing work to remodel the entrance to Portway Park & Ride, to allow access to buses travelling from northwest of the city, which is progressing well and on schedule to be completed towards the end of this year.

“Moving to a network that prioritises sustainable transport, such as buses and cycling, has many benefits for us as a city, including less congestion, cleaner air, a boost to the local economy, as well as improving health outcomes for those who travel more actively.

“However, for people to change the way they travel, we need a more reliable bus service that doesn’t get caught up in traffic, along with safer and more attractive routes for people to walk and cycle along. This project is just one of the ways we’re investing in our transport network to help make this a reality.”

A 21-day statuary consultation will be held by the council from June 27 on the third phase of the project, which includes sections 24-hour bus lanes, reducing some speed limits, and improving junctions along the route.

Once plans are approved, phase three is expected to begin early in 2026, including resurfacing the A4 Portway, and will take up to 14 months to be completed.