Watch out for delays as Metrobus works get underway

Expect noise and disruption in Bristol City Centre as the latest stages of work begin today, 17 October, for the MetroBus scheme.

Here's what will be happening:

• Baldwin Street pile drilling

A new link between Baldwin Street and St Augustine’s Parade is expected to open in the early 2017. Before construction can begin, essential works must be carried out around the River Frome, which runs beneath the city centre.

These will involve piles being drilled to a depth of 15 to 20m along the River Frome and historic harbour walls. A new bridge deck will then be built to support the new link as it crosses the underground river.

There will be noise and dust during the works.

• St Augustine’s Parade traffic lane reduction

The eastern section of Colston Avenue will be narrowed from three lanes to two.

This work will enable the construction of a new taxi rank and the creation of a segregated cycle route through the centre, linking to the existing cycle network.

• Changes to city centre pedestrian crossings

The current phase of the city centre works requires the closing of a number of pedestrian crossings. Alternatives are available in the area

• The western pedestrian crossing at the scissor junction (near Colston Tower) has been closed. The new city centre layout will include a new pedestrian crossing in this location.

• The eastern pedestrian crossing at the scissor junction (near St Stephens Avenue) will move as the works progress.

• The pedestrian crossing at Rupert Street (near Electricity House) has been closed. The new city centre layout will include a new pedestrian crossing across Colston Avenue close to this location.

Metrobus have apologised for any disruption the works might cause and point out that - when it is up and running - the scheme will help reduce congestion and strengthen the city’s transport network.