We have put forward public transport design concepts for the Backwell junction of A370 and Station Road.
Bus priority infrastructure proposals include:
- creating a new full time bus lane of approximately 260m on the A370 south-westbound only
- a bus priority traffic light system, allowing buses to run smoothly through the junction bypassing other traffic
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:
- Bristol Road/Walford Avenue/Queensway Worle
- A370/B3340 slip road
- Smallway junction
- Backwell
- Wood Hill - scheme completed
- Brockley Combe – scheme completed
- Long Ashton Bypass – scheme completed.
Backwell proposals
The proposed improvements for Backwell junction include:
- a bus lane on Farleigh Road – there is space on the southern side of Farleigh Road to provide a bus lane to allow buses to bypass queues on the Weston-bound approach to the crossroads
- signal improvements at junction – signal upgrades to include bus priority; approaching buses would be detected and signal timings adjusted automatically to give extra time to allow the bus through the junction with priority over other movements.
Bus lane design
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, with future opportunities for residents to influence details of the scheme that have not yet been decided on.
The proposed plan includes:
- The existing road layout has a right-turn lane for traffic turning from A370 into Station Road. This facility will be maintained but in a revised configuration.
- The approved concept design shows that lanes will be provided for straight-ahead and right-turning general traffic.
- The length of the general traffic lanes (i.e. after the bus lane ends) will be determined by modelling to ensure that right-turning traffic does not impede the straight-ahead (and left) movement, or vice versa. Therefore, the bus lane will not cause additional congestion on A370 Farleigh Road or at the crossroads.
- If there is no additional congestion on A370, there will be no additional traffic displaced to Church Lane etc, meaning that there will be no road safety impact to those roads.
- The proposal is to provide a 260m long west-bound bus lane on Farleigh Road. This will be achieved by widening the road into the verge, and by reallocating some of the existing road.
Better bus provision is critical to decarbonising our transport system. By providing an attractive, high-capacity alternative at Backwell, our bus network will enable modal shift from cars, reducing emissions for travel.
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.
Message of support to Backwell Junction design concepts
First
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:
- upgraded traffic signals incorporating GPS-enabled bus priority, which will assist our services in passing through the junction more efficiently
- a dedicated Weston-super-Mare-bound bus lane on Farleigh Road, helping to reduce delay caused by general traffic congestion
- relocation of the Bristol-bound bus stop to the west side of the crossroads, with the installation of a new shelter and improved seating to enhance passenger comfort
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.
David Ridgewell, national and local public transport passenger advocate and campaigner
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.
Backwell decision call in
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.