The A370 is a key corridor for bus improvements. The corridor is used by several bus routes including the popular X1 service (between Weston and Bristol) which carries 128,000 passenger journeys every month.
We have been working with communities to discuss, develop and implement bus priority schemes along the A370. This page outlines the progress and status of each scheme.
You can also visit our engagement and consultation process page to view any proposals that are currently open for feedback.
Status of scheme: complete
Status of scheme: complete
Providing links to the West Country mainline.
Status of scheme: in progress
Continuing to bed in. Traffic signals have been configured so that they are able to sense GPS trackers on buses approaching the junction using the bus lane. This gives the traffic lights the capability to sense an approaching bus, which then triggers the lights to change, to give that bus priority over general traffic where safe to do so.
Our set-up of the digital system to recognise the GPS trackers from buses is complete, and are now waiting for the bus operators to connect to the system on their side.
This will enable the traffic signals to operate more effectively once complete. As ever, we will continue to monitor the junction in the months ahead.
Status of scheme: complete
The A370 Wood Hill junction is being reconfigured to help improve local congestion and traffic flow long-term.
The main period of works is expected to finish in November 2024.
Reconfiguring the junction will work alongside wider updates on the road network.
Status of scheme: proposed scheme Backwell junction of A370 and Station Road
We have put forward public transport design concepts for the Backwell junction of A370 and Station Road.
Bus priority infrastructure proposals include:
On the A370 corridor, between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol, the following areas have been highlighted through our Bus Service Improvement Plans as key areas that affect bus running times:
The proposed improvements for Backwell junction include:
The original proposals for Backwell have been amended following engagement with the general public and Backwell Parish Council. Work towards creating a more detailed design will now progress.
Backwell as an integral part of the wider scheme to improve bus network efficiency along the entire A370 corridor between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol. Taken together, these interventions are essential to sustainably support funding of bus services into the future and the consequence of failing to deliver would be increased traffic congestion for everyone using and living along the strategic transport corridor.
First West of England Ltd is pleased to express its support for the proposed highways improvement scheme at Backwell crossroads. As the operator of the X1 bus service, which links Weston-super-Mare and Bristol via Backwell, we welcome the plans and the positive impact they are expected to have on journey times and service reliability.
At present, the X1 is subject to delays of approximately three minutes mean delay in both the morning and evening peak periods at Backwell crossroads. While these delays may appear relatively minor in isolation, they contribute to wider reliability issues on the corridor, with overall journey times ranging from 1 hour 35 minutes off-peak to over 2 hours during peak times. Tackling this localised congestion is crucial to delivering a more punctual and dependable service for our customers.
We are particularly supportive of the following elements within the scheme:
This scheme complements other recent interventions along the A370 corridor and will support our shared aims of improving journey time consistency, encouraging greater use of public transport, and reducing reliance on private cars.
As a member of the West of England Mayoral Combined Transport Authority and North Somerset Council Bus Advisory Board Panel we want to support, on behalf of bus and coach passengers, the upgrade of the passenger's shelters and real-time information systems at Backwell crossroads and the bus priority measures.
The scheme will add journey time saving and increase passenger growth on the network.
We feel it's a pity the bus shelters and interchange facilities were cut back following engagement with the Parish Council.
Works to Farleigh Road bus lane are very important for bus and coach services journey time. The scheme also improves passengers’ safety in Backwell. The important improvement to pedestrians cross and Footways near the leisure centre is needed, along with the new bus shelter improvements and bus boarding.
Interchanges and integrated transport are the way forward and in the West of England, Mayoral Combined Transport Authority Mayor Helen Goodwin and North Somerset Council are working on a public transport walking wheeling and cycling corridor.
The planned works at Backwell were recently put forward to the Corporate, Assets, Transport and Environment (CATE) Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 27 May. Following the committee, a decision has been made to continue with progressing initial plans to detailed design and delivery phase. All issues raised in the CATE Scrutiny Committee will be addressed in line with Government Guidance and Safety Regulations to deliver a beneficial scheme for North Somerset.
The Backwell scheme forms a key part of the A370 corridor, which provides essential bus services for 150,000 people each month. Bus trips on parts of the A370 are 1% of traffic but 20-25% of trips, benefiting everyone including drivers. More information on this can be found here: 24-25 EAT 140 signed.
The council is committed to improving bus services which provide essential connections for our community and to support the most efficient use of our highway network. Our communities tell us they want more reliable, frequent and affordable bus services - and that's what we’re working together with bus operators to deliver through the BSIP.
Status of scheme: plans for the junction are under way
We are planning improvements to the A370 Smallway crossroads in Congresbury to help ease congestion. The planned improvements will complement recent changes to the nearby Wood Hill junction. Together, these enhancements will help to improve traffic flow, leading to smoother movement across the local road network.
The new design for the Smallway junction has been shaped by 2023 discussions with local ward and parish councillors. A public information event was held in Congresbury in November 2024. A public survey on the designs closed on 3 December 2024.
An engagement summary report has now been published, and includes information on next steps for the scheme.
Status of scheme: proposed scheme in development.
Public engagement phase yet to begin.
Status of scheme: proposed scheme in development
Public engagement phase yet to begin.
