Temple Gate New cycle route open after repair work
ANEW cycle lane alongside one of Bristol’s busiest roads has reopened after it was fenced off for safety reasons.
The two-way segregated lane along Temple Gate is now accessible to cyclists, allowing for traffic-free travel between the Grosvenor Hotel and Victoria Street.
It had been blocked off with large metal fences at least since June, having been built as part of the £17m transformation of Temple Gate.
Toby Wells, co-chair of campaign group Bristol Cycling, hopes it will be extended along Victoria Street to connect with the cycle infrastructure around Castle Park.
Bristol City Council said the cycle lane, which is part of the so-called Brunel Mile between Bristol Temple Meads and the harbour, reopened several weeks ago following safety checks at the Grosvenor site.
A spokesperson said: “[It] reopened at the end of last month having been closed while the owners of the hotel site completed essential repairs to ensure there was no risk to public safety. We are continuing to accelerate improvements throughout the city to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport as well as cutting air pollution and supporting social distancing in Bristol.
“In partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, we have secured further government funding to extend and strengthen the temporary work already in the city, and bring forward additional proposals to work with the community and make improvements to walking and cycling journeys.’’
The pedestrian walkway, which had also been fenced off, is also now accessible between the traffic lights and Redcliffe Way.
Scaffolding at the derelict Grosvenor Hotel was removed earlier this year after the failed attempt to turn it into student flats.
The city council has initiated a Compulsory Purchase Order to seize ownership of the site.
It will eventually be redeveloped alongside the neighbouring former George and Railway building, to provide new office space for key business sectors.
We are continuing to accelerate improvements throughout the city to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport Bristol City Council spokesman