Two major transport schemes for Bristol have been announced by Chancellor George Osborne as part of his Autumn Statement.
The £50m Ashton Vale to Temple Meads link and the £45m South Bristol link – both badly needed to ease traffic congestion in the city and open up areas for economic regeneration – form part of a three-year £5bn package of 500-plus infrastructure schemes unveiled by the Chancellor.
Bristol City Council is confident a third scheme, linking the North Fringe with Hengrove, will be approved later this year along with other schemes in Weston and Bath.
Cllr Tim Kent, the city council’s executive member for transport, said the schemes would promote Bristol to the ‘big league’ of cities.
The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads Line will be funded by £35m from the Department for Transport and £15m from Bristol city council and a third party.
Construction work could start in June 2013 and finish by July 2015.
The South Bristol Link will be funded with £28 million from the Department of Transport, with £17m from Bristol City Council and a third party.
Construction is likely to start in May 2014 and finish in May 2016
Cllr Kent said: “We know the government recognises Bristol and the West of England as a key economic driver for the UK. They know it needs a high quality public transport network to unlock its full potential. They have demonstrated their belief in this area with today’s announcement.
“Bristol is about to enter the big leagues with the kind of public transport network that attracts new players and unlocks new areas for improvement and growth, which is powerful news for local business and local people. It also demonstrates the strength of our cross council working.
“Having won clear support for two of the schemes in the Bristol Rapid Transit package, we are confident that the North Fringe to Hengrove route will also prove a winner once the details have been finalised. It was a late entry into the shortlist, and we are relaxed about the need for further work prior to an announcement. It is a key element of the network.
“Over 200 businesses pledged their public support for our submissions. Their support, and that of everyone who understands the importance of this news, continues to be invaluable.”
