NEWS RELEASE
PR 1703
For Immediate
Release
15 April 2004
A37 Park and
Ride and Whitchurch bypass study
BATH & North
East Somerset and Bristol City Councils are to re-appraise the need
for a Whitchurch village bypass and investigate the potential for a
park and ride site along the A37 Whitchurch/South Bristol corridor.
Investigations are being undertaken
by consultant Mott MacDonald and recommendations are expected to be
given to both Councils in June with final decisions due to be made
by the end of November 2003.
The route of a bypass for Whitchurch
has been identified for many years and a line is protected in the
Wansdyke, Bristol and emerging Bath & North East Somerset Local
Plans.
Both Councils are now investigating
whether or not this route should continue to be protected within
their Local Plans.
The current route starts from the
junction of Queen Charlton Lane, Sleep Lane and the A37 and runs to
the east of the A37, to the west of Sleep Lane. It crosses open
countryside before rejoining the A37 in Bristol to the north of the
A37 viaduct.
Cllr Sir Elgar Jenkins, Executive
Member for Transport and Highways, said: “Bath & North East Somerset
and Bristol City Councils are looking to reduce congestion in their
areas.
“Park and ride operates successfully
in both Councils’ areas. The introduction of a park and ride
service along the A37 at Whitchurch or South Bristol would offer
people travelling into Bristol from the south an alternative to
taking their car into the city.”
This study will identify if a park
and ride would be feasible and potential site locations.
Before any decisions are made, both
Councils will fully consult local residents, commuters and local
businesses about the plans using leaflets, information on the
Councils' websites and a public consultation event.
For more
information, contact:
Rab Smith, Team
Leader, Transportation Planning – Bath & North East Somerset
Council, on Tel: 01225 395235 or e-mail rab_smith@bathnes.gov.uk
Gillian Otlet, Senior Transport
Planner - Bath & North East Somerset Council, on Tel: 01225 394185
or e-mail gillian_otlet@bathnes.gov.uk
For comment,
contact:
Issued by: Bath
& North East Somerset Press Office, tel 01225 477827 or 477283,
email: pressoffice@bathnes.gov.uk |
