South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | December | 9
From the archive, first published Friday 9th Dec 2005.
MORE road works are in store for commuters on the Avon Ring Road during one of the busiest times of the year.
Improvements are to be made to the 2+ lane on the A4174 starting from Monday, December 19 - the week when thousands of people will be trying to reach Bristol to finish their Christmas shopping.
The works are a bid to improve traffic flow on the heavily-congested westbound carriageway of the ring road.
The improvements mean the 2+ lane will be extended by 340 metres, allowing the priority lane to start immediately after the Wick Wick roundabout.
South Gloucestershire Council, which is carrying out the works, says it will help clarify which lane drivers need to take when approaching the roundabout.
Cllr Pat Hockey, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "We are trying to help everyone to use the roads more efficiently, especially in the peak periods.
"In this case, we are seeking comments from the public so that we can take account of the views of users whilst it is in operation."
Since 1991, traffic on the ring road has increased at more than twice the national average rate.
Studies before the lane was opened found typical journey times between Badminton Road and the M32 were approximately 20 minutes.
After the scheme opened, the council says, journey times were reduced significantly for all traffic.
Since the 2+ lane was introduced, car sharing has increased significantly and now during the busiest period each morning the lane carries half of the passenger flow in one third of the vehicle flow. The priority lane is in operation during rush hour (7.30-9am Monday to Friday).
The proposed extension to the 2+ lane will be introduced from December 19 for a trial period of 18 months.
During the first six months, the public will be invited to comment on the extension and whether is should be made permanent.
All comments received will then be reported to Cllr Hockey for her to make a final decision.
For more information about traffic management, residents should visit the council's network services web pages at www.southglos.gov.uk/networkservices
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