Long-awaited path improvements are underway on National Cycle Network Route 41 between Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth.
The commuter route is being upgraded to make it safer and more enjoyable to use. Credit: PhotoJB/Sustrans
Update: Route reopens as majority of construction works are complete
Following a longer construction program than first anticipated, the route is now open for use as the majority of the upgrades are complete.
The contractor will be on the route completing small finishing touches soon. This will be carried out with minimum disruption to path use and shouldn’t involve a full path closure.
We really appreciate your patience and support while navigating the delivery of these much-needed upgrades.
We hope you enjoy the newly improved route.
Sustrans is working with partners to deliver a safer and more accessible route for everyone who wants or needs to use it.
The route follows Lawrence Weston Road over the M5 and under the M49 in between the two outlying areas of Bristol.
The key commuter route is being upgraded
With the potential to provide a popular commuter route to the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area, the path will benefit from vital upgrades.
This includes surface upgrades, accessibility improvements, ecological investment and crucially lighting installed on this predominantly unlit route.
The route links Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth, passing under and over motorways along the way. Credit: PhotoJB/Sustrans
Enabling more people to commute under their own steam
These improvements will enable more people to access places of work without having to use a car.
In choosing to travel under their own steam, people will not only save on the running costs of a car as the cost of living rises, but also feel the many personal benefits. Active travel helps our health and wellbeing as we can regularly spend time exercising in the great outdoors.
Lighting and improving access to the route
Adding lighting will make the route feel safer and more welcoming to people outside of daylight hours, whether they are on shift work or travelling during the winter months.
Modifying an existing restrictive access point will enable more people to use the route, whether walking, riding a bicycle, or using a wheelchair, adapted cycle, or mobility aid.
Amongst the upgrades, lighting will be installed on the route to make the predominantly unlit space safer to use in the darker hours. Credit: PhotoJB/Sustrans
Making the route usable all year round
Together with the resurfacing making for a smoother journey, and the lighting guiding the way during the darker hours, the upgraded surface will also address the current drainage issues to make it safer for use all year round.
The project will aim to improve the space for all, delivering the upgrades with sensitivity to the existing environment, as it hosts a waterway that is home to a variety of wildlife.
The route follows a waterway for a large stretch. Credit: PhotoJB/Sustrans
Delivering a path for everyone
Construction began in October 2022 and will continue until autumn 2023.
The route will be closed during this time, and signposted diversions will be in place to guide people walking, and cycling, around the closure via nearby streets.
The work is being led by Sustrans, as part of the charity’s England-wide Paths for Everyone programme to enhance the National Cycle Network supported by the Department for Transport, and is delivered with thanks to input from Bristol City Council and Mott MacDonald.
Improving access to employment opportunities
Ben Bowskill, Partnerships and Public Affairs Manager for west of England at Sustrans, said:
“Upgrading the path between Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth will improve access to employment opportunities in the area.
“By making the route suitable for use all year round, and around the clock, active travel will become a viable and enjoyable way to travel to and from work or nearby amenities without the need to rely on, or have access to, a car.
“I look forward to seeing this section of path transformed, enabling more people to walk, wheel or cycle on a safer and more accessible stretch of the National Cycle Network.”
Helping people to embrace active travel
Councillor Don Alexander, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
"This is an important area for walking and cycling that has been blighted by fly-tipping for many years.
"This is why I'm really pleased to see work to improve this cycle path starting, and delighted to be supporting this project.
"It will mean more people can access it, throughout the year, and get all the wellbeing and connectivity benefits.
"And, with our commitment to achieving net zero by 2030, we need more people to embrace active travel and providing good cycle paths is a big part of this."
Find out more about our work to enhance the National Cycle Network.
