Use this page to find out about the proposed improvements to the walking, wheeling and cycling links in Bath City Centre.
We are currently installing the Bath City Centre improvements scheme in phases.
For updates, please, refer to the construction timetable and weekly construction updates below.
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.
Current proposals
This proposal consists of sections on new and upgraded cycle routes which connect with existing routes and other projects in development.
The Bath City Centre part of the long-distance National Cycle Network route 4 - which connects the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path - would be upgraded.
The proposals would change this route across the city centre, converting 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. This is part of a different project which will also link across the Bath Quays Bridge to other routes to the south and east.
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 | April 2026 | 18 weeks | New segregated cycle path, new loading bay | 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 07 August 2026
This week's updates include:
- repaving of the footway on the north side of Monmouth Street aims to complete by Friday 14 August
- installation of cycle segregation kerbs are ongoing on the north side of Monmouth Street and will aim to complete by Friday 14 August
- from 12 August to 19 August, a right lane closure will be in place at the Monmouth Street / Charles Street junction. There will be a signed diversion where vehicles will make a left turn at the junction and continue via Midland Bridge Road. Bus services will be diverted during the works. Check Travelwest and local bus stop notices for the latest information.
- work on the Charles Street footway is scheduled to begin mid-late August
This week's updates include:
- repaving work continues on the west side of Upper Borough Walls, aiming to complete before 21 August.
- following completed repaving works, bollards will be installed around the Upper Borough Walls loading bay, in order to protect pedestrians
- 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
This week's updates include:
- improvements to the paving on the south side of Bridge Street aims to complete by Friday 21 August
- work is being carried out in two phases to maintain an accessible entrance to the Victoria Art Gallery
- clearly signed pedestrian routes will be in place, with ramps and/or dropped kerbs provided at all crossing points
- access for pedestrians and visitors will be maintained
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.
