A SECTION of Overton Road between Gloucester Road and North Road has been made traffic free.
The major pedestrianisation project, which began in April, finished on schedule, with works including the installation of new cycle stands, improved access and routes for cyclists, and a fully pedestrianised area containing benches and planters.
Bristol City Council decided to carry out the works to provide safer journeys for those walking, wheeling, and cycling through the area, as well as creating more outdoor space for social interaction and a welcome boost in footfall for local traders.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said on the opening day: “This is a fantastic moment for the area. These new measures have freed up ample space for businesses, pedestrians, and cyclists and in turn have completely transformed this street.
“It’s now easier than ever for people to come and enjoy Gloucester Road and the surrounding area on foot or on two wheels. I’m looking forward to seeing the area become a new hotspot for residents to park their bike, find a seat, and enjoy some of the great food and drink Gloucester Road has to offer in this brilliant new outdoor setting.”
Some minor finishing touches are yet to be added, with trees and smaller shrubs due to be planted in autumn and winter.
The project is forecast to have cost about £500,000 and has been funded by the UK Government via its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: “Investment from the combined authority has created more space for outdoor dining here on Overton Road, improving public space as well as making walking, cycling, and wheeling safer along the Gloucester Road corridor.
“Working with local councils, improvements like these should be good news for our economy and also make a real difference that people can see and feel in the heart of their communities.
“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for our part of the world. We secured £752 million for that next stage in the recent Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit – with trams and much more on the table.”
The owner of Perfecto Express, a small independently owned coffee shop located on Overton Road, said: “From a business perspective, and at a time when many are struggling, we are already seeing the positive benefits of the scheme which will also provide community benefits and an enhanced physical environment.
“We have recently applied to the council to place a small number of tables and chairs on part of the shared space for our customers which will help ensure the viability and future of the premises.”