Festival Way upgraded to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists

Photo of Festival Way cycle signage

The Festival Way is getting £170,000 of investment to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the busy B3128.  

A new signal-controlled Toucan crossing will connect the popular Festival Way to Bristol and the recently built cycle route in the Ashton Court Estate. 

The site of the crossing was identified by cycle experts Sustrans as a priority for funding through their nationwide audit of the National Cycle Network. With 300 journeys per day, the mostly traffic-free Festival Way is well used, playing an important role for those travelling for work, school and leisure. The crossing will create a suitable place for all path users to safely cross the high volumes of traffic on the B3128, including those with adapted cycles, tandems and cycle trailers. 

Visibility will also be increased by removing low-level vegetation and raising the crown of some sycamore trees. This will aid both cars drivers and those crossing, helping to maintain the clean traffic accident record of the site.  Sustrans allocated £140,000 of Department for Transport money to North Somerset Council to deliver safety improvements, and the Toucan crossing was considered the most practical and cost-effective solution. Additional funding from the Joint Local Transport Plan met the total cost of the scheme. 

Cllr James Tonkin, North Somerset Council’s executive member whose portfolio includes transport, said:

“We are extremely pleased to be able to improve this vital active travel link between North Somerset and Bristol. We are serious about creating a greener and cleaner North Somerset with more sustainable and active travel choices available for residents and visitors.”

Cllr James Tonkin profile photo

We are extremely pleased to be able to improve this vital active travel link between North Somerset and Bristol.

We are serious about creating a greener and cleaner North Somerset with more sustainable and active travel choices available for residents and visitors.

Cllr James Tonkin North Somerset Council

The improvement works will start on Monday 1 February.

The Festival Way will be closed on the approach to the B3128 for six weeks with a signed diversion via Yanley Lane, Glebe Rd, Long Ashton Rd and through Ashton Court. Cyclists can either re-join Ashton Rd by the Ashton pub or follow alternative routes through the estate to Kennel Lodge Road. The footways along Ashton Road will also be closed.

Map showing the Festival Way walking and cycling diversion

The work will be carried out by the council’s contractor, Skanska. For more information and to see the diversion visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roadworks