The route will reach more locations in the south of the city(Image: Alex Seabrook )

A £3m extension of one of Bristol’s longest bus routes has been approved. The m1 metrobus route currently travels between Cribbs Causeway at the very north of the city all the way to Hengrove Park in South Bristol.

But it will soon reach more locations in the south of the city following a £3.6m investment. In future it will also serve William Jessop Way by Bridge Learning Campus, Hawkfield Road, and Imperial Retail Park.

The funding will also see upgrades carried out at six bus stops, with new shelters and real-time information displays. Work to install a new two-way segregated cycleway and traffic calming measures on Hawkfield Road, up to Hartcliffe Way, would also be carried out.

The junction of Whitchurch Lane and William Jessop Way would see upgraded crossings as part of the project, with new or upgraded crossings proposed at the junctions of each of Briscoes Avenue, Butterfly Lane, and Fulford Road with Hawkfield Road too. The work will be led by Bristol City Council.

The project will be funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement for the West of England, which was secured by the West of England Combined Authority. Bristol City Council will also contribute £260,000 to support the delivery of the scheme and bus services.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “This £4 million government-funded project, with the regional authority and local council working together, will ultimately mean that more people in south Bristol can access the popular m1 metrobuses.

“With new night buses and new green electric buses rolling out here in the West, together we’re beginning to build the bus network that people across our region deserve.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “It’s great news that we have secured the funding to extend the m1 service further into south Bristol.

“Hartcliffe residents will also benefit from a safer environment for walking, wheeling and cycling along Hawkfield Road, with a new separated cycle route and traffic calming measures.”

Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said: “I welcome the additional bus provision for my constituents with the extension of the m1 to Imperial Park.”