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Initial proposals put forward a partial closure of Dark Lane due to the expected future increase of traffic at the junction that is already almost at capacity. The part-time closure would have addressed this by reducing delays for all vehicles travelling on the A370 and Station Road. However, this change is no longer being proposed under the Bus Service Improvement Scheme following engagement with Ward Members, Backwell Parish Council and residents.
Proposals also looked to introduce a Transport Hub on the A370, offering improved waiting spaces, real time information for travellers, cycle parking and more comfortable shelters. This also included improved parking facilities and pedestrian facilities at Rodney Road. This is no longer being proposed for Backwell following engagement with Ward Members, Backwell Parish Council and residents.
Improvements that are to go forward include:
- upgrades to the traffic signals including GPS technology, offering bus priority over general traffic
- a Weston-super-Mare bound bus lane on Farleigh Road
- improved footways and a new pedestrian crossing near to the leisure centre
- moving the Bristol bound stop to the west side of the crossroads putting place a new shelter and more comfortable seating
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who’s taken part in the engagement process for the Backwell crossroads. We’ve looked carefully at a number of options over the past year to try to best meet the needs of bus users alongside the local community. We’ve listened to elected representatives and residents who would have been most affected by the plans.
“The revised proposals support our plans to maintain and improve bus services in North Somerset and work to achieve a balance between the needs of motorists, those using public transport, taxi’s, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Works plan to start later in 2025.
For updates on the programme, please visit our Bus Service Improvement Plan webpage or contact us at bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk for any queries.