This section provides an overview of the proposals between the Red Lion Roundabout and Bear Flat in Bath.
The stretch of road is a key route in connecting Odd Down Park & Ride into the city centre, as well as those coming from the south of the district and beyond.
The council went out to public consultation in 2023 and a significant amount of work has been undertaken in this area. Here are the highlights of the changes made:
Red Lion Roundabout – Greenway Lane
The proposals are retaining the 550-metre bus lane towards Bath along the Wellsway between the Wayside bus stops, northeast of Midford Road, to Hatfield Road. However, we are proposing to retain as many parking spaces as possible on the west side of the carriageway to better serve the residents along the Wellsway.
The two-way cycle facility has been reduced in width to increase the footway outside residents’ houses on the Wellsway. The buffer between the parking and the two-way cycle track has been increased to ensure residents are able to safely wait before crossing onto the footway if someone is cycling past.
We have minimised the amount of parking spaces lost to 19 to ensure that parking is available for residents. Parking is available on both the western and eastern side of the carriageway at different locations.
Wellsway current
Wellsway proposalThe proposals include maintaining a speed limit of 30mph but changing the character and feel of the Wellsway so that drivers are encouraged to reduce their speeds. We know that current speeds on the Wellsway can exceed 30mph. A 20mph speed limit has been explored, however the results of our modelling show this would have a detrimental impact on bus journey times.
There are four new pedestrian crossings proposed in this area to facilitate safe crossing of the Wellsway – these are at the following locations:
- Adjacent to the Midford Road junction
- To the northeast of the Wayside bus stops
- Between the bus stops to the south of the Tennis Club, Bowls Club and Nursery access
- To the north of the Greenway Lane junction
Bear Flat
The 2023 engagement highlighted how important the Bear Flat crossing is in providing a safe facility across the Wellsway at Bear Flat. However, it is so busy that it has an impact on general traffic and bus journey times.
Bear Flat current
Bear Flat proposalOur proposals at Bear Flat now a significantly widened footway and reduced crossing distance, which:
- This improves the comfort of people walking, wheeling and spending time in the area, whilst also reducing the crossing distance
- This reduces the amount of time the crossing is on ‘red’ and provides on average a three-minute benefit to buses and two-minute benefit to general traffic at peak times
During the engagement period, we are asking you to let us know what additional features you would like to see at Bear Flat to enhance the area. This could include additional planting, or seating for example.
Technical drawings
Technical drawings
Please click on the links below for detailed drawings. These drawings show concept/preliminary designs proposals and details are subject to change. The proposals have been developed to show the potential location of features in plan. Further work is required to determine final proposals for the following phases, as well as its deliverability and affordability.