The works could last up to 11 weeks
Wick Wick Roundabout near Bristol(Image: Google Maps)
“Important” roadworks will cause disruption at a busy roundabout along the A4174 ring road.
Commuters in Emersons Green face delays from next week as a lengthy improvement project begins.
Works will take place at Wick Wick Roundabout from Monday, June 16, replacing ageing traffic lights as well as creating:
- A new toucan crossing over the northern side (A4174) of the roundabout, connecting the eastbound bus stop with the business park
- A wider shared use path on the northern side of the roundabout and to the west of the carriageway
- A new westbound bus stop and connecting footway
South Gloucestershire Council said the changes are “part of our ongoing investment to enhance facilities for buses, walking, wheeling and cycling, making journeys easier all users of the A4174”.
Motorists using the roundabout, which is next to the Willy Wicket pub, will need to cross without the help of traffic lights during the works.
The council’s project page advises: “To allow for the vehicle traffic lights to be upgraded, the existing signals at Wick Wick Roundabout will be switched off. During this time, the roundabout will operate as a give way junction.
“A temporary, signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will be in place to help people cross safely while the works are ongoing. We understand that this may cause some disruption, and we appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete these important improvements, which are expected to take approximately 11 weeks.”
The council said the lights need replacing as they “have reached the end of their recommended lifespan”. It also said changes are necessary to accommodate a new pedestrian crossing arrangement at the roundabout, while the M4 overbridge is closed.
National Highways is demolishing the old A432 Badminton Road bridge, which crosses over the M4 and is the main road between Yate and Bristol. The bridge has been closed since July 2023 when inspectors found cracks.
The council shared a reminder about the Wick Wick Roundabout works on its Streetcare Facebook page this week. However, there was a mixed response from road users.
One commenter wrote on Facebook: “Please tell me you’re not shutting lanes, it’s carnage already. Can’t wait for all these cycle/pedestrian/bus improvements to be done & all the roads clear cause surely all this money & time spent must mean it’s only me & few others that these options aren’t viable for!”
Another fumed: “Switching the lights off is dangerous and ridiculous and completely unacceptable it will cause yet more ridiculous delays adding to the stupid amount along the a38/Bradley stoke chaos!
“There are a lot of VERY unhappy residents all fed up with having OUR money wasted time and time again and being forced to accept this behaviour!”
However, others were more positive. One said: “Brilliant can’t wait for them to be switched off. Get fed up of waiting at a red light with no traffic from the right hand side. It can now operate as it it was designed to.”
Another agreed: “All lights should be abolished on roundabouts and let people use them as they were intended to be used.” Several queried if any new lines or signage would be installed to make it clear who has to give way.