A4 Bath to Bristol
The A4 is one of the region’s main transport corridors and a key focus for future growth. It connects Bristol and Bath, as well as major innovation areas like Bristol’s Temple Quarter and Bath’s Riverside Innovation District. Anyone who travels on the A4 between Bath and Bristol knows that traffic can be a real problem – especially during rush hour. Over 62% of commuters drive to work between the two cities.
Over the next 20 years, thousands of new homes are expected to be built in the area, which will only add to this.
The A4 Bath to Bristol project is designed to give people better options to travel sustainably and to make safer, more pleasant routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Most of the plans have been designed to not take away lanes of traffic for vehicles and include:
- New bus lanes for faster, more reliable journeys
- Nearly 150 upgraded bus stops
- Safer crossings for people walking, wheeling or cycling especially to schools
- Around 3.5 miles (5.5km) of new cycle lanes, many fully separated from traffic
For many, driving will continue to be the most convenient way to travel. At the same time, others depend on buses, walking, wheeling, or cycling to get to work, school or appointments. By improving these alternatives, it will make it easier for people to leave the car at home when they want to, helping to ease congestion and keeping the road flowing more smoothly for those who do need to drive.
As well as changes to the A4 itself, proposals include improvements to nearby side roads, safer routes around local schools, and aims to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists to reach the A4.
By making these improvements to infrastructure we hope to create a route where:
- More people choose to take the bus, walk, wheel or cycle
- Fewer cars are on the road, reducing congestion
- Local roads are safer and quieter
- Air quality improves
Better transport options along the A4 will support new homes, jobs and help businesses grow.
What’s next?
Since we last asked for your views in 2023, we’ve listened to your feedback and made changes to the designs. We’ve also carried out environmental and engineering surveys.
We now have updated plans and want to hear what you think. Our public consultation is running from 21 October to 2 December 2025. Nothing is set in stone at this stage.
What’s changed since 2023?
- Changes to local roads in Brislington including a new bus gate on Hungerford Road
- No road closure proposed in Talbot Road, Brislington
- Reduced bus lane on A4 heading towards Saltford
- No bus lanes on Newbridge Road, Bath
- Closure in Osborne Road no longer proposed