An experimental bus lane running eastbound will be introduced from 20 January 2014 in Dorchester Street, Bath by Bath & North East Somerset Council with the aim of creating a safer, more welcoming environment for people on foot and who use bicycles.
The bus lane, which has an exemption for taxis, will operate between 10am – 6pm 7 days per week for a maximum 18 month experimental period. Warning signs will also be erected in advance of the restriction to highlight the new arrangements
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “There are a number of potential benefits to the environment of the city centre by introducing this measure. People on foot and on bike should be able to cross the road with ease from our major transport interchanges towards the city centre and vice-versa.
“Buses should also be able to reach their destination quicker moving through Dorchester Street and towards Manvers Street in moments. Overall, the Council wants to make this location a more pleasant environment for the people using it and will be closely monitoring the scheme during the experimental period as well as listening to people’s views about the scheme”.
“There are works that must take place in order to proceed with our plans. We are ensuring that any inconvenience is minimised through taking steps, such as night working.”
Traffic works arrangements
As the works involve signage, resurfacing, lining and traffic signal amendments to improve traffic flow, it is planned to minimise disruption to the traveling public and complete all the works overnight (7pm- 7am), starting on13 January 2014. The overnight closure of Dorchester Street is anticipated to run for five nights.
Some minor alterations of the traffic islands will also improve traffic movement through the Southgate/Dorchester Street junction.
During the night working the alternative route for motorists will be signed which is via Broadquay, Rossiter Road, Pultney Road, North Parade and Pierrepont Street.
The Council would like to thank the public for their patience during the forthcoming work
