North Somerset transport schemes earmarked for funding

FUNDING for the South Bristol Link Road and Barrow Gurney Bypass is currently being considered by the Department of Transport.

Despite an announcement from the Government office that the South Bristol Link Road has been earmarked for funding along with the Weston Package and the Ashton Vale to Temple Meads Rapid Transit, campaigners are keen to stress that the scheme is still subject to approval and other options are also on the table.

North Somerset’s district councillor for Backwell, Tom Collinson, said: “The South Bristol Link Road is still very much subject to further consideration in competition with many others.

“The Department of Transport has also agreed that the Barrow Gurney Bypass low cost option is still being considered.”

The South Bristol Link Road would provide a link between the Hartcliffe roundabout, A38 and the A370 Long Ashton Bypass to help improve traffic congestion in villages such as Barrow Gurney and Backwell.

The scheme is expected to cost �57million and due to the current economic climate councillors from Barrow Gurney came up with a an alternative scheme for a Barrow Gurney Bypass, which would cost just �8million.

Both schemes are currently being considered and final funding bids will be submitted to the Department for Transport in the autumn, with decision expected by the end of the year.