Northern Fringe route to Hengrove approved by chancellor during the Budget
The government has granted full approval to the third and final part of the Bristol Metrobus network – the Northern Fringe route to Hengrove.
The 50km MetroBus network, a combination of segregated busways and bus lanes, will provide services from Long Ashton Park & Ride to the city centre via Temple Meads, with an alternative route via Hengrove and Bedminster. There will also be a direct service through Bristol to the University of West England (UWE) and Parkway station, continuing on to either Cribbs Causeway or Emersons Green.
The scheme is designed to save 27 minutes on the journey from Hengrove in south Bristol to UWE, using a new bus-only junction on the M32 The MetroBus routes will also include segregate cycle lanes and involve a major remodelling of the city centre and the area around the cenotaph, as well as changes to a number of major roads into the city.
Following the Budget, the Chancellor George Osborne told the Bristol Post: “Local MPs Jack Lopresti and Chris Skidmore have all been tireless campaigners for improvement in transport around the Bristol area, and made a compelling case to support public transport in the area.
“As a result at the Budget I granted full approval to the North Fringe to Hengrove MetroBus proposal and construction is due to begin next month.”
Cllr Brian Allinson, Chairman of the Joint Transport Board, said: “This is terrific news, MetroBus is a significant part of a £400m programme of sustainable transport improvements in the West of England until 2020 which will link areas of housing and economic growth, provide greener and better alternatives to travelling by car and as a result reduce traffic congestion and air pollution levels.”
James Durie, Executive Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce at Business West, added: “The new MetroBus network and our planned MetroWest improvements send a clear signal to government and potential investors that the West of England is serious about working together to improve our local public transport.
“This investment will bring new jobs and business to the area and creating a brighter future for us all.”
