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Queensway
The existing bus lane at the Queensway junction, Worle (Food Warehouse) will not be in use from this week to help manage traffic while major improvements are carried out. “Bus lane not in use” signs will be displayed on the verge.
Removing access to the bus lane will make it easier for drivers turning left at the junction and shortening overall queue lengths, helping to ease pressure on nearby roundabouts.
The focus during the ongoing works has been to minimise journey times through to J21 and creating the needed infrastructure for future population growth.
Update on new bus lanes at J21
The inbound bus lane on the slip-road from Somerset Avenue towards Worle, installed during the recent work will not be operational until the main Queensway scheme is completed, which is taking place from May 2026 – January 2027.
While some road markings and signs have been installed, “Bus lane not in use” signs will be placed on the verge in the next few days, and the blue regulatory signs will be covered.
The new outbound bus lane on the slip-road from Bristol Road towards J21, will be opening to buses this week with signs highlighting the new layout.
These measures support the delivery of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) scheme at the B3440, Queensway and Bristol Road in Worle. The scheme will replace traffic signals with roundabouts and add a bypass lane to improve flow at both peak and off-peak times. New bus lanes on the Bristol Road slip roads will protect bus reliability.
The improvements form part of a wider £450 million investment programme across North Somerset to prepare for future growth, improve infrastructure, and support the council’s climate commitments. Major schemes such as the Banwell bypass, Winterstoke Road Bridge replacement, and extensive BSIP projects will improve routes for both cars and buses, increase network resilience, and expand travel choices for residents, workers, and visitors.
Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “I asked for us to look at suspending these bus lanes during the wider works as I’ve heard concerns about the particular pressure on our road network at the moment. We need longer term action, including major investment to improve access to the motorway network, but in the meantime, it is right to take small wins where we can get them.”
Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “Temporarily suspending the bus lanes will help keep traffic moving as this major upgrade progresses. These works are essential to improving long-term reliability for both drivers and bus users, and this short-term measure will help us manage congestion more effectively during construction.”
The works at Queensway are part of bigger improvements for buses in North Somerset These include:
- 150 upgraded bus stops and shelters
- New transport hubs, which include more comfortable seating and Real Time Information points to see when your next bus is arriving
- Improved fares, working with bus operators to get more affordable and reliable journeys
The improvements are funded by UK Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), to stabilise and improve North Somerset’s bus network, so that it can stand the test of time for our residents. Read more at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip.
To stay informed on the latest work check:
- One Network for details of roadworks: www.one.network
- www.travelwest.info for bus services
- North Somerset Council’s main Facebook page and the North Somerset Travel and Roads Facebook page for updates