Update, September 2026
We are currently installing the first phase of the Bath City Centre improvements scheme. The aim is to improve walking, wheeling and cycling links in the historic city centre.
For updates on the scheme, please refer to the construction timetable and weekly construction updates.
On 21 September 2026, for approximately four weeks to 18 October, we will restrict vehicle access to Bridge Street (and Grand Parade via Bridge Street) each evening from 7pm to 6am, Monday to Saturday, to keep workers safe while we complete construction.
Additionally, there will be no vehicle access to Grand Parade via Pulteney Bridge bus gate from 7pm to 6am, Monday to Saturday during the first two weeks of work to 3 October.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete these important works.
Please see full construction details, diversion plans, and what this means for businesses and residents, in 'Bridge Street/Grand Parade construction details'.
Use this page to find out about the proposed improvements to the walking, wheeling and cycling links in Bath City Centre.
Project and strategy context
Bath City Centre aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling in the historic city, as well as address improvements to bus services. Both will enable more travel choices, healthier places and people, and greater connectivity in and out of the city centre.
Since public consultation in 2023, the project has been divided into phases. The first phase concentrates on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements. Phase 2 looks at implementing bus infrastructure improvements aimed at providing better journey times and reliability.
It is one of several CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements) projects being developed in Bath. It will work alongside other transport strategy initiatives in the city to support our community's travel choices.
The proposals were subject to a formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation in 2025 and a decision was made to install the scheme from Spring 2026.
View the decision notice and our response to the consultation feedback.
The works are currently being installed across Bath, and you can view a construction timetable below.
Bath City Centre – Phase 1
As part of our Corporate Strategy, we want to make walking, wheeling, and cycling safer, more convenient and accessible, while helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Phase 1 focuses on better, safer and more direct routes for cyclists through the city centre – connecting to existing cycle routes.
Our current proposals affect the area highlighted in blue on this map of Bath City Centre.
Our plans
We are installing new and upgraded cycle routes that connect with existing routes and other projects in development.
This includes upgrading the city-centre section of the long-distance National Cycle Network route 4 which connects the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.
The plans change this route across the city centre, converting it into a single two-way cycle route, running between Pulteney Bridge and New King Street.
A short section of new cycle route further south along Charles Street would plug a 'missing link' connecting the existing National Cycle Network route 4 and Upper Bristol Road to the Riverside Park at Bath Quays via Green Park Road.
Map showing improvements on Green Park Road, Charles Street, and Monmouth Street
Map showing improvements on Beauford Square and Upper Borough Walls
Map showing improvements on High Street and Bridge Street
Construction timetable
For works in progress, view our weekly construction updates for live information.
Construction for this scheme starts in March. Efforts have been made to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
| Area | Proposed start date | Duration | Works taking place | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Borough Walls | April 2026 | 18 weeks | New loading bay with protective bollards, clearly marked cycle route | In progress |
| Old Bond Street | April 2026 | 12 weeks | Repaving of area | Complete |
| Burton Street | April 2026 | 12 weeks | Repaving of area | Complete |
| Bridge Street (1) | April 2026 | 18 weeks | New segregated cycle path, new loading bay | Complete |
| Bridge Street (2) | 21 September to 18 October 2026 | 4 weeks | An upgraded signalised crossing at the junction of Grand Parade plus improved paving and drainage. | In progress |
| Beauford Square | Late May 2026 | Upgraded pedestrian crossings and road repaving | Paused | |
| Princes Street | Late May 2026 | Upgraded pedestrian crossings and road repaving | Paused | |
| Charles Street | April 2026 | 7 months | Segregated cycle path linking to new cycle path on Green Park Road | In progress |
| Barton Street | Early summer 2026 | Extension of pedestrianised area | Paused | |
| Trim Street | Early summer 2026 | Upgraded pedestrianised crossings and paved areas | Paused | |
| Monmouth Street | July 2026 | 9 weeks | New segregated cycle lane in both directions | In progress |
Weekly construction updates
Updated 11 September 2026
Latest updates:
- The resurfacing works on Monmouth Street, and the installation of cycle segregation kerbs have progressed. Final surfacing needs to take place before it can be fully reopened. This is planned for the end of October.
- Resurfacing in front of Monmouth Street parking will take place over weekends so it doesn't disrupt users of the car park. It will be coordinated with the car park owners.
- Resurfacing works on the footway of Charles Street will continue throughout September.
Latest updates:
- We are working to complete the bollards installation and repair a drainage cover as soon as possible, to allow for the removal of all fencing on Upper Borough Walls. We will share a date for completion when we have it.
- From October, repaving will begin on the north side of Upper Borough Walls, between Burton Street and New Bond Street. Please check this web page for the latest updates and confirmed dates closer to the time.
Latest updates:
- Construction of the cycle lane, new loading bay and repaving in front of the art gallery is complete.
- Please see the section below for full details of the next phase of construction starting 21 September to 18 October.
Bridge Street/Grand Parade construction details (21 September to 18 October)
We have already improved much of the paving and installed a new contraflow cycle lane and loading bay on Bridge Street. The next phase of construction will deliver better drainage, further paving improvements, and a new signalised crossing outside Victoria Art Gallery.
Work will be completed overnight between 7pm to 6am, Monday to Saturday for approximately four weeks from 21 September to 18 October.
Vehicle restrictions and signed diversions will be in place from 7pm to 6am. Vehicle access will be restored during the days and access for pedestrians and cyclists is maintained throughout. Noisy work will stop by 11pm each evening, followed by quieter work. Should you have any issues with access or noise during the night works, the out-of-hours service number is 07752 191655.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete these important works.
View or download the diversion map
Please expand the section below for full details and how we will manage the works.
To reduce disturbance during overnight works:
- Any noisy construction work will take place between 7pm and 11pm.
- Quieter activities, such as ducting work, will take place between 11pm and 6am.
- An out-of-hours number is provided for residents who have concerns or require assistance from the contractor: 07752 191655
From 21 September to approximately 18 October, there is no vehicle access to Bridge Street or Grand Parade (via Bridge Street) between 7pm and 6am, Monday to Saturday.
- Pedestrian and cycle access to homes and businesses will be maintained.
- During the day, outside closure hours, vehicle access to Bridge Street and Grand Parade is available and work areas will be protected with barriers.
- Buses travelling via Bridge St and Grand Parade will be on diversion during the night. Diversion routes and temporary bus stops will be available at travelwest.info. More information is provided in Bus information.
- Pulteney Bridge bus gate will be suspended during the evenings. However, access to Grand Parade from Pulteney Bridge will still not be possible during the first two weeks of night works.
From 21 September to 3 October, vehicle access to Grand Parade via Pulteney Bridge is restricted between 7pm and 6am. Pulteney Bridge is a 24/7 bus gate, so this restriction impacts taxis, buses and emergency vehicles during work hours. It means:
- The U1 and U3 evening and night bus services will be diverted along North Parade and turn at Terrace Walk (Bog Island).
- Diversion routes and temporary bus stops will be available at travelwest.info. More information is provided in Bus information.
- Taxis can drop passengers on Argyle Street or at Pierrepont Street/Orange Grove, with onward access to Grand Parade on foot.
- Bridge Street: Loading and unloading will be permitted between 6am and 7pm daily
- Grand Parade: To accommodate buses diverted from Manvers Street, loading and unloading will only be permitted between 6am to 10am and again from 4pm to 7pm.
- Waste collections will continue outside of work hours i.e. 6am to 7pm.
- The D1X, 3, 6A, 231, 273 will be on diversion overnights from 21 September to 18 October.
- The U1 and U3 will be diverted while access to Grand Parade via Pulteney Bridge is closed. They will both use North Parade and turning at Bog Island/Terrace Walk.
- For details of diversion routes and alternative stops, visit travelwest.info and select Routes and Timetables.
To accommodate increased day-time bus services during the closure of Manvers Street:
- Parking bays on Grand Parade will be suspended from 12 September to 20 November.
- Holders of Central Zone resident permits can park free of charge in Charlotte Street car park between 5.30pm and 10am.
- Residents can find available parking within the Central Zone here: https://streets.appyway.com/bath-and-north-east-somerset
How Bath City Centre connects to the wider network
Direct interfaces with:
- Bath Quays Links
- Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling
- National Cycling Network route 4 and the proposed route to Weston, via Bath City Centre and Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling schemes
- Somer Valley Links at the Churchill gyratory
Key benefits
- This would create a better signposted joined-up network across the city centre – making cycling easier, safer and direct.
- Move cyclists away from those walking on the busier shopping streets, following mostly along segregated cycle lanes or quieter streets.
- Make cycling a more attractive option, appealing to a wide range of people.
- Footpaths would also be improved where needed along the route.
Why walking, wheeling and cycling is important
We need to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for a lot more of our journeys. Currently, over a third of car trips across Bath and North East Somerset are less than 5km.
The importance of walking, wheeling, and cycling, or ‘active travel’ as an affordable and accessible mode of transport has become increasingly apparent over recent years.
The benefits of active travel are extensive - from improving air quality to ensuring healthier places and people. By enabling more travel options, we can optimise road space for all.
Active Travel Masterplan
Bath City Centre is part of our Active Travel Masterplan, a comprehensive plan that sets out the existing and future network of active travel infrastructure. Consultation took place during summer 2024 and aims to enable walking, cycling, and other forms of active travel, ensuring safer, healthier, and more accessible transportation options for everyone. It will support all types of journeys including commuting, education, leisure, and tourism.
View the Active Travel Masterplan consultation page to find out more.
Phase 1 Timeline
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| December 2023 | Initial public consultation on draft proposals |
| 2023 to 2024 | Scheme development and proposals refined |
| Summer / Autumn 2025 | Complete detailed design |
| Autumn 2025 | Full Business Case submitted to West of England Mayoral Combined Authority |
| Autumn / Winter 2025 | Full Business Case approval |
| Summer 2026 | Construction begins |
Keep informed
To get updated about the progress of the project you can sign up to our mailing list.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter, E-connect, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
If you have feedback or questions about this scheme, please email us at bath_links@bathnes.gov.uk.
