Update, July 2026
From the end of July to mid-November, we will improve the public realm, pedestrian crossings and bus facilities at Bear Flat as part of our Somer Valley Links project.
This work follows a statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation on the proposals for Bear Flat and a decision to proceed with construction of the scheme.
The consultation results and the decision notice (Report 5a) will be published here on 31 July 2026 (TRO 26-043).
Construction will be completed in phases to reduce disruption on the A367. Please see the Bear Flat construction programme.
Following public consultation in 2023 on the Somer Valley Links scheme, we are progressing proposals that encourage safe and accessible active travel across the area, including new travel hubs, upgraded bus stops, improved junctions, new crossings and better walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
Proposed travel hubs aim to bring together several travel options all in one place - for example, public transport, e-scooters, and links to walking, wheeling and cycling routes. An example would be bike storage at bus stops or electric charging stations for cars at Park & Ride sites. Designs vary to suit local needs.
See 'Our proposals' for more information.
Map key
Our proposals (2026-27)
We will progress proposals in the following locations, subject to statutory consultation, during 2026-27.
Please expand the sections below to find out more.
From 27 July to mid-November, following the statutory consultation, we are installing the following measures to improve bus reliability and active travel at Bear Flat. Please also view the construction programme and temporary traffic management in place to keep everyone safe.
Improved pedestrian crossings
- Safer, shorter pedestrian crossing on A367 Wells Road outside the Bear Inn, reducing crossing time and bus delays
- Continuous raised crossings at Hayes Place, Shakespeare Avenue, Bruton Avenue and Bloomfield Avenue to support pedestrian priority and accessibility
Improved bus facilities/travel hub
- New travel hub with upgraded northbound bus stop, seating, green roof shelter and real time information
- Extended northbound bus lay-by (space for two buses)
- Widening of the existing bus gate on Bloomfield Road
- Removal of the southbound bus stop north of Shakespeare Avenue and consolidation with the stop just south of Shakespeare Avenue
- Wider pavements, new seating and planting outside the Bear Inn near the travel hub
- More cycle parking and improved wayfinding next to the northbound stop
Support for businesses loading/unloading
- New loading bays opposite Shakespeare Avenue and between the Co op and Beechen Cliff Drive to support businesses and reduce disruption to traffic and bus services
We will be providing:
- wider pavements
- a new pedestrian crossing with lights over A37
- an upgraded bus stop with real-time information display
- improvements to the pedestrian crossing over Rogers Close
We will be providing:
- upgraded bus shelters including real time information and seats
- widened and improved pavements
- new crossing over the A37
- improved pedestrian crossing point over Pitway Lane, Main Street, Ham Lane, and Church Lane
We will be providing:
- secure cycle parking and cycle stands
- additional planting
- signalised crossing over the High Street
We will be providing:
- 2 upgraded bus shelters (including real time information and seating)
- widened and improved pavements
- zebra crossing over Ashgrove
- improved pedestrian crossing point over Keel's Hill
- secure cycle parking stands
This lane will be closed to traffic, making it a quiet lane open to walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding only. It connects residents from Paulton to the shared use path proposed alongside the A362, providing a route to both Farrington Gurney and Midsomer Norton.
Speed reduction to encourage slower speeds along the A367 and allow buses to exit Bath Road more easily.
Proposals not progressing this year
We intend to progress the following areas (phase 1b proposals) next year, subject to statutory consultation. They will not progress in 2026-27. Updates will be provided on this web page.
Please expand the sections below to find out more about the proposals:
We will be providing:
- a continuous cycle route which will follow low-traffic roads or shared use paths next to the road on busier roads
- improved crossings at key locations
We will be providing:
- new pedestrian crossings
- bus priority through the traffic signals making bus travel easier
We will be providing:
- wider pavements to improve access around bus stops
- bus stop improvements including real-time information displays
- improving pedestrian safety by making new crossings
We will be providing:
- measures to encourage slower speeds
- improved pedestrian crossings at A362/Church Street/Fortescue Road
- widened pavements
- shared mobility options such as bikes or car clubs providing more travel choices
- 'H' cycle stands
We will be providing:
- upgraded bus shelters (including real time information and seating)
- widened pavements
- reduction in speed limit to 30mph
- new signalised crossing point over the A367 Bath Road
- cycle stands
We will be providing:
- upgraded bus shelters (including real time information and seating)
- widened pavements
- reduction in speed limit to 20mph with new traffic calming
- new zebra crossing over Bath Road
- improved cycle access to Wellow Lane
A new shared use path connection for walkers, wheelers and cyclists, connecting the A362 from Main Street in Farrington Gurney towards Midsomer Norton and the proposed Somer Valley Links Enterprise Zone scheme.
A new signalised crossing of the A367 Peasedown St John bypass, linking to a quiet lane to Hang Hill and National Cycle Network 24.
Phases 2 and 3
Phases 2 and 3 of the schemes will include other areas identified for improvement along the route shown on the map. They are being reviewed following feedback received during public consultation. Further details will be shared when available.
Construction Programmes
Please visit this section regularly for up-to-date information on our construction programmes for works underway. Currently we are delivering improvements in Bear Flat.
Bear Flat Construction Programme
Construction will run from 27 July to mid November 2026.
Most work will be completed without road closures, using narrow lanes and temporary traffic signals.
Access to homes, schools and businesses will be maintained. Access to some streets will be maintained via diversions during some stages of construction.
There will be a temporary pedestrian crossing in place throughout the works.
Please expand the tabs below to see the scheduled work and the temporary traffic management plans in place.
27 July to mid-September (24/7)
Works to install crossings on eastern side of Bear Flat involving diversions
- Right turns into Bruton Avenue and Shakespeare Avenue will be prohibited for northbound traffic heading into Bath.
- Access to these roads will be maintained for southbound vehicles using the official diversion around the Churchill gyratory.
- Hayes Place will be one way and will only allow vehicles to exit. To access the Holloway area, traffic will be diverted via southbound Wellsway, a left turn into Shakespeare Avenue, Chaucer Road, Beechen Cliff Road with a right-turn into Holloway.
Mid-September to mid-November (24/7)
Work outside the The Bear Inn involving diversions
- The junction with Bloomfield Avenue will be closed. Access to Bloomfield Avenue properties, including the Bear Inn car park, will be via Oldfield Road.
- During periods of this work, there will be traffic lights to control the flow of traffic to a single lane to keep workers safe while we build out the pavement.
- The northbound bus stop, outside the Bear Inn will be closed during the works. An alternative stop is available near Kipling Avenue, south of Bloomfield Road.
November (end of project)
Resurfacing requiring overnight road closures with diversions for one week
- Access to properties will be maintained but there will be restricted access to Bruton Avenue. We will contact residents in September regarding access.
- Official diversion signage will be in place closer to the works.
Please visit this website in the autumn for updates.
Contact us
If you have a query or would like to talk to an advisor, please email us at SomerValley_Links@bathnes.gov.uk or call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 and ask for the Somer Valley Links team.