Planned Bath traffic works disasters, March 1 onwards.

[Huff]

Prompted by the thought that tomorrows half-marathon will cause its usual minor temporary upset it occurs to me that, as a public service, here is an idea of the ways in which driving across/through Bath is likely to be more-miserable-than-usual for the next six months or so.

1. The A36 will be closed from MONDAY 2 MARCH between Brassknocker hill junction with A36 and Hantone Hill, Bath (3miles) for the next 16-20 weeks while slope stabilisation works (finally) take place. Expect a complete mess with heavy good routes being diverted via Chippenham (yes, really)

2. (A4 / A46) City approach from the east: the A4 London Road works - ludicrous narrowing of lanes/lane choice, and still no end in sight.

3. (A36 link) City approach from the east / Widcombe high street: bypass works -nope, no end in sight.

4. City centre: Midland Road Bridge is now ONE WAY ONLY, westbound from Green Park, for the next 33weeks while 'critical' maintenance works take place. Bus and all incoming- routes from Lower Bristol Road are now routed along all the way in to Churchill bridge and then back out via Green Park Road. Be warned!

However -
(a_ Green Park lights are often signalled down to reduced-width for the next year or so while the student housing scheme is built-out at Green park, AND
(b) Green Park Road itself is due to be diverted across the coach park and Avon street car park site (once demolished, which is near-term) this year anyway as part of the Bath Quays/riverside regeneration project. They've already cut the riverside trees down, angling works have started.

BANES will no doubt handle this conjunction of elements with their customary consideration & attention to detail - so expect a complete monumental f*ckup for a year or so.


Summary: four of six arteries are sclerotic for the foreseeable. If you wish to enter or leave Bath in the next 9 months, throw a double-six to start.