We will be carrying out major reconstruction work between May and November 2026 in Manvers Street, Bath. Use this page to find out more about the improvements and how they could affect you.
About the works
The road on Manvers Street in Bath city centre is built above vaults, cellars and concrete slabs that were laid during World War Two.
Over time, these slabs have deteriorated, along with the road’s foundations. We need to replace them to ensure the road’s safety and long life.
We need to excavate the road to reach the top of the vaults and cellars below. We will then replace the existing slabs and foundations. This permanent solution is designed to protect the vaults and the road above, as well as handling the strain of modern traffic.
Watch this short video to see what we're doing in Manvers Street:
We will take advantage of the closed road to make improvements to pavements and street lighting at the same time. We will also work with utility companies to renew their infrastructure, helping to reduce future disruption.
This project is a long‑term investment that will reduce the need for repeated road repairs on Manvers Street and help make better use of our maintenance budget in the future.
If we don't carry out these works the road could fail. A failure would mean emergency work, which would cause more disruption for a longer period of time.
The £5 million project is funded through the West of England Combined Authority’s Maintenance Challenge Fund. It is not linked to sustainable transport (CRSTS), Milsom Quarter, City Centre Security or any other scheme.
How we will manage the work
Our contractor M Group will carry out the work, starting near the junction with Henry Street and working down the road.
They will carry out the work from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5pm, with some night-time and weekend working when needed.
Because of the way the historic city and its roads were originally built, we expect challenges. These challenges include:
- working above existing vaults and cellars
- working close to utility apparatus
We have carried out investigative work to help inform our construction timeline, but it is an estimate. Although we can't guarantee completion dates, by working in phases we can ensure Manvers Street will be open for Bath’s Christmas Market.
Road closures and bus information
From 26 May, Manvers Street will be closed 24/7 to all motor vehicles between its junctions with Dorchester Street and Henry Street. It will remain closed until we complete the works, which we expect to do by 20 November.
Pedestrians will still have access; cyclists will have to dismount and use the footways.
Manvers Street Car Park will remain open throughout the works.
All bus stops on Manvers Street will be closed while the work is taking place. We have told bus companies who will divert their routes and amend timetables. Please check with providers before travelling.
Emergency vehicles will always be given access when possible.
Stay up to date
We’ll be sharing important updates with local business and residents directly. However, you can subscribe to our monthly project newsletter to stay up to date with the project and our progress.
Contact the team
For more information, contact the Manvers Street Remedial Works Project Team by emailing manvers_street@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling Council Connect on 01225 394 041.