Old Market Repair work still under way at ‘completed’ roundabout
IT has been two weeks since Bristol City Council announced roadworks at Old Market roundabout had been completed two months ahead of schedule.
It was a big moment for the authority, which was keen to share the good news with videos and tweets on its social media accounts as well as a press call at the roundabout.
Unfortunately the work is not quite finished and a large chunk of the roundabout is still cordoned off while contractors carry out the final repairs.
On Friday one lane was closed on Old Market Street on its approach to the roundabout while resurfacing work took place.
In its press release announcing the completion of the work on January 28, the council said the “final stages of improvements to the roundabout have now been completed”.
It then goes on to say the project was completed two months ahead of time and within budget.
However it’s not until the final paragraph of its announcement that the council points out only the new central route across the roundabout has actually been reopened.
Walkways and cycle paths through the centre of the roundabout have been closed off since July last year while improvement works were taking place.
There have also been lane restrictions to vehicles and some footpaths near the roundabout have also been closed off to allow for cycling and pedestrian improvements to be carried out.
A key part of the scheme was the creation of a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians through the centre of the roundabout.
It is this part of the project which
David Betts Photography has now been completed and was officially opened the week of January 21.
The council has said the pedestrian crossing across the northbound lane of the roundabout will remain closed for up to two weeks while signalling infrastructure is replaced.
It is urging people to follow the signs, but this hasn’t stopped people from still using the crossing despite a red barrier blocking the route.
Bristol City Council has not provided an update of when the works will be completed and the roundabout will be opened entirely.