The new layout at the Great Stoke (rabbit) roundabout, which has increased capacity at the busy junction, is now fully operational.
Changes made to the roundabout have also improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
The work, which started in January 2020, was originally scheduled to last 12 months but despite the Covid-19 lockdown, activities continued on site throughout. Quieter roads during lockdown meant some of the work could be brought forward ahead of schedule, reducing the amount of disruption caused.
The £2.9 million scheme in Stoke Gifford has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority.
Improvements at the roundabout include:
- Localised widening and modifications to road markings on the circulatory and on all approaches to increase from two to three lanes
- The introduction of Toucan crossings on each of the four arms, which are prioritised for pedestrian and cyclists, as this will be an attractive alternative to cyclists using the roundabout
- The introduction of high quality carriageway entry and exit points for cyclists which are clearly signed, coloured and marked
- Widening of shared use foot and cycle paths where possible, to a suitable width with a high quality surface finish.
There are a few minor works remaining to be completed on the roundabout. These are weather dependent and will be carried out as soon as possible over the coming months.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure Cllr Steve Reade said: “We are very pleased that our work to increase capacity and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists at Great Stoke roundabout is now operational and helping those who need to travel to get to their destination.
“Despite the challenges experienced this year, we have been able to get this vital piece of work completed on schedule and within budget, which is testament to the hard work of our StreetCare team.
“The improvements made at Great Stoke roundabout will not only ensure a key junction in our local road network is fit for the future but will also help encourage more people to consider alternative active travel options such as walking and cycling.”
West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “We’re really pleased to have supported these improvements to the Great Stoke roundabout, through the Combined Authority, as part of our commitment to making cycling and walking safer and more attractive options for getting around the region. This new layout will help to keep people moving – both now and in the future.”
Investing in these improvements and increasing the roundabout’s capacity will help future-proof the highway network, support planned housing and employment growth in the area, and encourage greater use of sustainable travel methods.
Great Stoke roundabout is a major intersection of the local highway network that is located near a number of developments, including the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood (CPNN), Horizon 38, Charlton Hayes, Harry Stoke New Neighbourhood and Haw Wood. The north fringe is a major economic hub within the region, which is continuing to expand with the Filton Enterprise Area (FEA).
The scheme forms part of a £174 million investment in our roads to reduce congestion, improve pedestrian and cycling facilities and future-proof our network. Further information about our highway improvement schemes is available on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/majorroadworks.
