Great Western Railway Electrification Project - Bellotts Road Foot/Cycle Bridge closure

Please note that from the end of October through to approximately April 2016, the cycle/foot path over the railway on Linear Way at the top of Bellotts Road will be closed as Network Rail need to carry out comprehensive preparation work for the railway electrification and installation of new bridge has been completed.

During this time pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted via a short, fully signed, diversion route. This footpath closure will remain in place until the new footbridge has been installed and the approach footpaths have been re-instated.

The normal working hours on site will be between 08.00am - 6.00pm, from Monday to Friday and from 08.00am  - 1.00pm on Saturdays.

Full details of the work and timetable can be viewed here.

There is also several drop in sessions being held to inform residents of what work is actually being carried out, these are as follows:

1st October 2015 at Hillside Hall, Hillside Road, Oldfield Park, Bath, BA2 3NX.

6th October 2015, 16:00 to 19:30 at Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW.

3rd November 2015, 16:00 to 19:30 at Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW

1st December 2015 at Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW

Claude Avenue ramp safety issues resolved

Following numerous communications from both Councillor Sharon Ball and local activist Sarah Moore and a meeting on-site this morning with BANES officers and Councillor Paul Crossley have led to the safety concerns that were raised finally being listened to and a sensible safety option being accepted.

There is an agreement to place a small railing either side of the ramp entrance and a railing on the pavement alongside the road, leaving sufficient space for bikes to exit the ramp but also ensure safety of pedestrians on the pavement.

Officers are also looking at removing/reducing the number of bollards in place as these railings would offer safety to both those entering and leaving the ramp and those using the pavement.

by 
Sarah Moore

Bridge Road/Claude Avenue Ramp

Work is progressing well on the construction of the pedestrian/cycle ramp from the Linear Way shared path up to Bridge Road/Claude Avenue.

As you can see, a large amount of rock has been placed into the gabion baskets already.  This will make sure the land under the ramp will not slip.

We will continue to keep you updated on progress of the ramp and confirm as soon as we have a date of when the ramp will be open for use.

by

Sarah Moore

Claude Ave

The new ramp to bring cyclists and pedestrians from the Linear way to Claude Ave has been delayed until the end of May due to the need to gain proper access to the site for construction works further along the Linear Way.

There is also a need to get the correct landscaping works approved
by the planning department.

We will let you have further details as the become available.

Linear Way

We have been receiving many complaints from residents about the amount of cyclists racing along the Linear Way.

It is a shame that we have this shared resource between cyclists and pedestrians and a few are spoiling the enjoyment of many walkers and Children that have played on the Linear way for years.

We have asked that signs are strategically placed along the Linear Way reminding cyclists that this is a shared resource and to respect other users by keeping their speed down.

New Access Ramp

Cllrs Nigel Roberts & Sharon Ball with Sarah Moore at site of proposed ramp

We are pleased to confirm, although not in the position we requested, a new access ramp will be created leading from Bridge Road onto the Linear Park shared path below.  The ramp will be coming out next to number 5 Bridge Road.

We have also received confirmation that a safety railing that Councillor Sharon Ball has requested, will be installed on the footpath where the ramp will meet the existing pavement. This will prevent cyclists and pedestrians from coming straight off the ramp across the footpath and onto the road.

This work is scheduled to start shortly after Christmas, with a view to work being completed before the end of March 2014.

by
Sarah Moore

Linear Way clear up

Councillor Sharon Ball and I joined a number of volunteers yesterday morning on Linear Way between Millmead Road and Bellotts Road, to help cut back overhanging vegetation and clear litter around the area.

We spent a couple of hours in the morning cutting back a number of overhanging trees and bushes and were fortunate enough to get the work completed before the rain started.

Sustrans volunteers do a lot of work along the two tunnels route to enable everyone to enjoy a clean and safe environment and we were happy to go and assist with this.

These events are carried out each month along the route and everyone is welcome to come along and join in.

by
Sarah Moore

Cycle Route Update

We are pleased to confirm that during last night's cabinet meeting the Liberal Democrat administration voted unananimously to accept the proposals to complete the remaining northern section of the 2 tunnels route, to provide a northern link to the Riverside Path and a local link to Claude Avenue. 

This means a ramp from the cycle path up to Claude Avenue, by Bridge Road can be implemented (subject to planning conditions being met)  making a safer cycling route to school for a large number of pupils.  Which will be funded by the LSTF WEST project.

and

Sustrans under licence to Network Rail will re-open the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway bridge at the top of Bellotts Road for pedestrians and cyclists on a temporary basis until the bridge is replaced as part of the mainline rail electrification works planned from 2015. The Council will look to enter into agreements with Network Rail for the adoption and maintenance of a new replacement foot/cycle bridge.

Subject to agreement with Sustrans and DfT’s Linking to Communities grant being accepted to complete the remaining off road section on Council land through the northern section of Linear Park, with the works to upgrade the existing permissive footpath to a permissive cycle track for use by pedestrians and cyclists to be constructed between the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway Bridge and Bellotts Road.

The link to the council paper is here

If you have any questions about this or other issues in the areas, please get in touch with us.

by Sarah Moore

Fieldings Road Bridge

I had a good walk around with a highways officer this morning in parts of Westmoreland with regards to cycling Routes in the area.

I pressed the issue that pedestrians should take priority over cyclists on any shared surfaces to ensure public safety.

With regards to Fieldings Road Bridge I have insisted that cyclists should get off of their bikes and walk over the bridge as they always should have done, and I have asked that signs are explicit to make sure that they do so.

by Councillor Sharon Ball

Claude Avenue/Bridge Road

Following my blog on Friday, I have emailed BANES cabinet members to ask that the old toilet block by the bridge at Bridge Road and Claude Avenue is demolished and a ramp is put down from the open area to the Linear Park footpath below.

This will assist in preventing rubbish being dumped by the side of it and also inside of it.  It would also create a safer cycling/walking route to school for parents and students at Oldfield Park Junior School.

I will keep you updated on progress of this request.

by
Sarah Moore

Victoria Bridge

Victoria Bridge in better days

 Victoria Bridge is still closed following structural surveys undertaken by Mott McDonald.  This important walking and cycling link has now been shut for over 2 months.  The council is currently considering the way forward, as a full structural survey has been recommended.

We realise that this route is an extremely important link for walkers and cyclists getting across town, and that it must be re-opened as soon as possible.  Lib Dems are calling on the council to prioritise works on the bridge, making it safe as soon as possible.