Access to King Street during the work, the phases of the project, and the available active travel support.
In October 2024 we started construction work on King Street and Queen Charlotte Street as part of our project to pedestrianise Bristol Old City.
The aim of the project is to make the Old City and King Street area pedestrian-friendly by restricting vehicle movements, to encourage walking and cycling, reduce air pollution, make more street space available for commercial and cultural activities, and improve accessibility for all.
Access
These works means that some areas of pavement and road need to be closed for periods of time with temporary traffic lights and diversions put in place.
Access to businesses and pedestrian routes are being maintained, including access to the Welshback.
We have suspended some parking bays on Crow Lane for our contractor's welfare area that is in place throughout the works.
Phases of work
The work is being carried out over five phases and includes:
- Improving cycling infrastructure
- Making the area more accessible
- Upgrading paving and drainage
- Improving the public space
Phase 1
Work took place on north Queen Charlotte Street to Rackhay and Crow Lane.
Phase 2
Work took place on south Queen Charlotte Street from Rackhay to King Street.
Phase 3
Phase 3 includes the area between Queen Charlotte Street and the crossing point between the two sections of King Street by The Old Duke and Llandoger Trow.
This phase is underway and is expected to be completed in October 2025.
It includes:
- Installing a raised table on the crossing between the two sections of King Street and Queen Charlotte Street to bring it up to the same level as the pavement for step free access.
- Improving drainage to help prevent flooding and pooling.
- Continuing the segregated cycle path, which will connect Baldwin Street with Queens Square via Queen Charlotte Street when completed
- Installing and relaying paving, kerbs, tactile paving and other road and pavement infrastructure.
Phase 4
Phase 4 goes from Queen Charlotte Street and Little King Street, from the raised table to the Little King Street junction.
Work will take place throughout September 2025.
It includes:
- Replacing and relaying paving, tactile paving and kerbs.
- Continuing the segregated cycle path, which will connect Baldwin Street with Queens Square via Queen Charlotte Street when completed.
- Improving and changing drainage.
- Installing a pennant stone crossing.
Phase 5
Phase 5 goes from King Street, from outside of Cathay Rendezvous to just outside of Bristol Old Vic.
Work will start at the end of September and is expected to be completed towards the end of October 2025.
It includes:
- Installing dropped kerbs and level crossings along the street to provide step free access to properties and venues from street level.
- Installing tactile paving
- Adding bollards that can be dropped and sockets for limited vehicle access to King Street. Bollards will be accessible for deliveries.
- Installing cycle stands.
- Moving kerb lines and improving drainage.
- Creating space for trees and planting and general public space improvements.
The final work also includes resurfacing the road, adding road markings and installing street furniture, such as benches.
Active travel support
We are offering free support to businesses and individuals to help people travel more sustainably.
More than 450 people have benefitted from a range of free offers, including loan bikes (including electric bikes), business grants, one-to-one cycle training, route planning, electric vehicle advice and charging points.
To find out more go to Travelwest for Bristol Businesses for businesses, and Travelwest for Communities if you're an individual or community group.
Support for your business includes activities such as roadshows, free bike maintenance, match-funding and small grants, electric pool-bike loans and much more.
You can also visit Travelwest and Better by Bike for more information about how to travel around the region and for journey planners.