Gipsy Patch Lane is to reopen to traffic in a westbound direction only (towards the A38) as work on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) progresses.
The one-way system, which will open from 6am on Monday 6 September, will make it easier to travel through the Stoke Gifford area and allow work on the CPME project to continue safely and efficiently.
The westbound one-way system will operate along Gipsy Patch Lane between the Little Stoke Lane junction and the mini roundabout at Rolls Royce. Traffic will only be able to travel westbound between those points, towards Filton and the A38.
The existing signposted diversion route will remain in place for eastbound traffic via the A38, Bradley Stoke Way and Winterbourne Road.
During the one-way system a number of local roads also need to be closed at their junction with Gipsy Patch Lane.
The westbound one-way system and road closures will be in place until road widening works have been completed in late 2022.
The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in the area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system and a realistic alternative to travelling by car. CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.
As part of the CPME, highway improvements are being made along Gipsy Patch Lane, including footway widening and new bus lanes. This will result in significant benefits for everyone, whether travelling by bus, car, cycle or on foot. These works are being completed by the Council’s Streetcare team.
Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will also continue work at the new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council. The wider bridge will provide space for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “The Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension is a flagship project for the Council and plays a key part improving public transport, walking and cycling facilities and the road network in the area.
“The partial reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane is an important milestone for this ambitious project which has already involved the installation of the new railway bridge, the upgrading of bus stops on Hatchet Road and changes at the San Andreas roundabout in Cribbs Causeway.
“The westbound one-way system will support businesses and help keep South Gloucestershire moving as we continue to recover from the pandemic.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the work, and we would like to thank the local community for their continued patience.”
Residential access
For safety reasons, the majority of side roads to the east (residential side) of the railway bridge that fall within the one-way system need to be closed at their junctions with Gipsy Patch Lane. This includes Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue (west).
Access for residents and businesses will be maintained via diversion routes.
The Gipsy Patch Lane service road junction with Gifford Crescent will be open for residents. The eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane, will remain fully open to residents and patrons of the pub. Little Stoke Lane will also remain open.
Business access
Businesses at Pegasus Park will be accessible and remain open as usual, but traffic entering and exiting will need to follow the one-way system. This means that the junction will be ‘right-in’ and ‘right-out’ only.
At Horizon 38, Titan Road will be closed, so all traffic will need to use Taurus Road.
Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent and the Stokers Pub will also remain open for business as usual. Vehicular access to the shops at Gifford Crescent will be via Kingsway while cars accessing the Stokers Pub will do so from Bush Avenue (east). Vehicular access to Station Road will continue to be via Clay Lane to the north.
These dates and times may be subject to change.
CPME
CPME is an extension of the metrobus network already in operation and will provide a direct link between Bristol Parkway railway station and The Mall bus station, via the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood on the former Filton Airfield.
The project includes replacing the railway bridge over Gipsy Patch Lane with a new wider bridge as well as footway widening and new bus lanes along other sections of Gipsy Patch Lane.
Work has also been carried out at the San Andreas roundabout, Cribbs Causeway, where a new bus only road link has been added and the roundabout is now signal controlled. The San Andreas roundabout is at the junction of Hayes Way and Highwood Road with Merlin Road. On Hatchet Road two bus stops have been upgraded to metrobus stops.
Further information
Visit the project website for more information www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus
