Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension - Gipsy Patch Lane works

Introduction

Three metrobus routes are in operation in the West of England area providing faster, more frequent and more reliable services with direct routes to key destinations.

South Gloucestershire Council is developing the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension. It is called an 'extension' because it will extend part of the existing metrobus network that is already operating.

The Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension will help reduce an expected increase in traffic levels as a result of new houses and businesses built in the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood on the former Filton Airfield. The scheme will further improve the public transport network by providing an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall.

By offering faster, reliable bus travel on modern, environmentally-friendly vehicles with USB sockets and free Wi-Fi, we aim to increase the number of people travelling on public transport and reduce the amount of traffic on the local road network.

Please visit the South Gloucestershire Council website for further information.

Main construction work complete - 9th June 2023

This email is to inform you that all of the main construction works associated with the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) are now complete.

There remain a few outstanding minor works to complete which will be carried out as soon as possible over the coming months and with minimal disruption.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience during this long and complex project. We apologise for any disruption the work may have caused.

The CPME project has included:

Building and installing a new 4,260-tonne concrete railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, relieving a former traffic pinch point.
Widening Gipsy Patch Lane to provide bus lanes in both directions.
Installation of metrobus stops at Parkway Station and along Hatchet Road and Gipsy Patch Lane.
New shared use paths along Gipsy Patch Lane and at the San Andreas roundabout at Cribbs Causeway, providing safer facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
Installation of traffic signals and toucan crossings at the San Andreas roundabout, making the junction safer for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as helping to improve traffic flows in the future when traffic volumes are expected to be higher.
A new road link at the San Andreas roundabout, which in the future will provide a sustainable transport route into the new Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood on the former airfield site.

The scheme has also enabled the launch of the new m4 metrobus service which provides a convenient and realistic alternative to traveling by car for those living or working nearby, contributing to our climate and nature emergency goals.

When the new railway bridge was installed in November 2020 it was the heaviest precast concrete bridge move of its kind ever undertaken in UK.

The has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund and Economic Development Fund..

Thanks to the hard work of the project team and project partners, and despite the challenges of the global pandemic and the significant engineering demands of the project, the scheme is forecast to complete under budget. The project was originally forecast to cost £57 million but this has been reduced to approximately £47.2 million, although it will take a number of months before the accounts are finalised.

Construction work at the railway bridge was carried out by Network Rail and its contractors Alun Griffiths and Balfour Beatty.

All other construction work for the project, including the road widening along Gipsy Patch Lane and the improvements to the San Andreas roundabout, was completed by the council’s Streetcare team.

Council updates

If you would like to be kept up to date on other transport improvement projects taking place in South Gloucestershire please sign up for our e-newsletter.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 12th May 2023

We are pleased to inform you that all traffic management associated with the Network Rail embankment work has been removed.

This means the Station Road junction, the Gipsy Patch Lane bus lane and the shared use path have been reopened.

Further landscaping will need to be carried out on the railway embankment and Network Rail will return to site to do this at an appropriate time later in the year.

A welfare unit will need to remain near the site while Network Rail and their contractors continue to work in the area. This will include finishing signage and fencing along the new wall which is anticipated to be done in the next two weeks.

Thank you for your patience during this work.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 5th May 2023

Network Rail and their contractors are progressing with the remaining work, which includes reinstating all streetlighting, finishing the embankment regrade and completing the highway and footpath construction.

It is still expected that the Station Road junction, the Gipsy Patch Lane bus lane and the shared use path will be reopened by the middle of May.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 28th April 2023

National Grid were on site this week and successfully extended the power cable.

Network Rail and their contractors are now continuing with the remaining work, which includes reinstating all streetlighting, finishing the embankment regrade and completing the highway and footpath construction.

It is expected that the Station Road junction, the Gipsy Patch Lane bus lane and the shared use path will be reopened by the middle of May.

There will be a further update next week.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 21st April 2023

This week Network Rail and their contractors have completed installing fencing on the embankment and have started some replanting. A road sweeper has also been on site clearing the carriageway.

National Grid will be on site on Monday, 24 April, carrying out the required extension to the power cable. This work is expected to take no longer than one day.

After National Grid have completed their work, it will be possible for Network Rail to reinstate all streetlighting, finish the embankment regrade in full and finish the highway and footpath construction.

Thank you for your patience as this work continues.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 13th April 2023

Network Rail have provided us with the following update:

Since our last update, fencing at the top of the embankment work has been ongoing. New fencing materials have arrived on site, foundations have been excavated and installation is underway. Backfill operations to the embankment and highway have also started. This work will be completed once National Grid has carried out their work.

National Grid have now confirmed that they will be able to complete the required extension to the power cable and they have scheduled this work for Monday 24 April. This work is expected to take no longer than a day to complete.

Between now and then, other works including the application of an anti-graffiti coating to the new retaining wall will take place.

It is anticipated that all works will be completed by the middle of May and as soon as it is safe to do so both Station Road and the Gipsy Patch Lane bus lane and shared use path will be reopened.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Railway embankment update - 6th April 2023

We are pleased to confirm that pedestrian and cycle access has been reinstated between Gipsy Patch Lane and Station Road.

Other work has also continued on site including the installation of fencing and rabbit netting along the new section of retaining wall.

Network Rail continues to work with National Grid on the outstanding utility work and an update on this is expected next week.

Please note that with the double bank holiday this weekend there will be less activity on site.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this ongoing work.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 29th March 2023

This is an update on the work taking place to extend a retaining wall on the railway embankment next to the Station Road junction on Gipsy Patch Lane.

The work, being carried out by Network Rail and its contractor, has progressed well. The work to extend the retaining wall is complete. Other works including the majority of backfill and preparation for the relocation of street lighting columns has also been completed.

Unfortunately, there remains some outstanding work concerning utilities in the area. The work, which involves extending a power cable, needs to be completed by National Grid. We have been informed that this work will be completed within six weeks, however, Network Rail are working closely with National Grid to get this work carried out as soon as possible.

The closure of the bus lane and footpath along Gipsy Patch Lane and the closure of the Station Road junction to vehicles needs to remain in place until this utility work is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We are pleased to inform you that Network Rail will reinstate pedestrian and cycle access on Station Road from this weekend. Network Rail were unable to do this sooner because of the requirement for a safe exclusion zone around mobile machinery.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 3rd March 2023

Railway embankment

Work to extend a retaining wall on the railway embankment next to the Station Road junction on Gipsy Patch Lane will complete by the end of March.

The work, which is being carried out by Network Rail and its contractor, will be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

We apologise for any ongoing disruption caused by this work.

The majority of the work will take place Monday to Friday during normal daytime hours. There will need to be some weekend working but Network Rail and its contractor’s will keep this to lighter operations to keep the noise levels to a minimum.

The closure of the Station Road junction and a small section of the bus lane on Gipsy Patch Lane will need to remain in place until the work is completed.

If you have any questions about this work call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Further information

For more information on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage.

Yours sincerely,

The CPME Project Team

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New metrobus service launches this weekend - 20th January 2023

This weekend the new m4 metrobus service will start operating in the Stoke Gifford area.

This new bus service will operate between The Mall and Bristol City Centre, via Stoke Gifford, Bristol Parkway Station and UWE Frenchay.

It will serve communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford. It will also eventually serve the new Bristol Arena and Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield.

The m4 service will:

run between 6am and 11.25pm on weekdays, with a later start and earlier finish at weekends.
run approximately every 20 minutes on Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The service will run along the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME), which has been a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system.

The m4 service starts this Sunday, 22 January.

The service is being operated by First Bus on behalf of the West of England Combined Authority, the Transport Authority.

For the route and timetable, visit the First Bus website.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 19th December 2022

Network Rail work

Network Rail and its contractor Balfour Beatty are currently carrying out work to extend a retaining wall on the railway embankment next to the Station Road junction on Gipsy Patch Lane.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Network Rail has informed the council this work will need to continue into the new year.

Balfour Beatty will continue to work on site until Friday 23 December. Work will then pause over the Christmas period and restart on Tuesday 3 January.

The bus lane closure on Gipsy Patch Lane and the closure of the Station Road junction on Gipsy Patch Lane will need to remain in place over the Christmas period.

The shared use path on the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane near to and under the bridge also needs to remain closed, but the path on the south side is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorists are reminded that the diversion for vehicles needing to access Station Road is via Clay Lane and Little Stoke Lane. Access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road is restricted by a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

We will continue to keep you updated on this work.

Any questions or issues you may have about this work can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

GWR rail replacement services

Over the Christmas period, Network Rail will be working in the Bristol Parkway area to renew sections of track on the main line between London and South Wales, so trains will not be able to stop at some stations in the area on some days.

This means that from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December, rail replacement bus services are planned to run between Patchway Station and Bristol Parkway Station. There will also be a follow up day of rail replacement buses on Sunday 8 January 2023. Due to the closure of the Station Road junction, these buses will route via Clay Lane. GWR's advice is to please check times carefully before setting off to travel, and to allow plenty of time for your journey.

To enable the rail replacement bus service to operate to and from Patchway Station there will be a parking suspension along Clay Lane. This means on-street parking will be prohibited along the road between Tuesday 27 December and Sunday 31 December, and on Sunday 8 January.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage.

Yours sincerely,
The CPME Project Team

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M4 Metrobus Service Announcement - 9th December 2022

The launch date for the new m4 bus service has been announced.

The West of England Combined Authority and First Bus have confirmed the new service will start operating on 22 January 2023.

Other details announced include:

The m4 will run between 6am and 11pm on weekdays, with a later start at weekends.
It will run every 20 minutes on Monday to Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The route will see fast and direct buses between Cribbs Causeway and Bristol, linking The Mall, Bristol Parkway Station and UWE with the city centre. It will serve communities in Patchway and Stoke Gifford. It will also eventually serve the new Bristol Arena and Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield.

The bus route includes new bus lanes, cycle and pedestrian pathways, a new, larger bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, and improvements to the San Andreas roundabout at Cribbs Causeway.

A number of bus stops along the route are also being upgraded to ‘metrobus standard’ including new bus shelters, iPoints, cycle hoops, fully accessible kerbs and CCTV to keep locals safe while travelling.

More information on the m4 announcement is available here.

Kind regards,
The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 11th November 2022

This is to inform you of work Network Rail needs to complete along Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Network Rail work

Network Rail and its contractors Balfour Beatty are to carry out work to extend a retaining wall on the railway embankment next to the Station Road junction. The work includes some excavation.

Balfour Beatty are preparing the site for the work, including setting up welfare facilities, from Monday 14 November.

The work, which is expected to last six weeks, will be carried out between 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays. Some work will need to be carried out on Sundays, but this will only happen on Sunday 27 November and Sunday 11 December, between 9.30am and 4pm.

These dates and timeframes may be subject to change, and we will keep you notified of any updates.

No construction work will be carried out overnight. However, Network Rail will be carrying out rail line possessions during this time. This work will not include the use of machinery.

Any questions or issues you may have about this work can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Traffic management

To enable the work to take place a section of the bus lane along the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane (running west to east) needs to be closed, but general traffic lanes along Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open.

The shared use path on the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane near to and under the bridge also needs to be closed, but the path on the south side will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The bus lane and shared use path will be closed from Monday 14 November until the work is complete.

From Monday 21 November the junction for Station Road on Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic. This junction closure will need to remain in place for the duration of the work.

A diversion route for vehicles, via Clay Lane and Little Stoke Lane, will be in operation and will be fully signposted throughout the junction closure. Please be aware that access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road is restricted by a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane during the closure.

All businesses on and near Station Road, including Patchway Train Station and the Sort It Centre, will be open as normal.

metrobus

The West of England Combined Authority has announced that First Bus will operate the new m4 metrobus service along the CPME route. This service is due to start operating in early 2023. First and the Combined Authority will announce further details, such as service frequency and a start date, this autumn.

Other work

Still to complete this winter is the installation of iPoints and CCTV at the new metrobus stops. Some further landscaping will also be carried out over the winter months.

CPME

The CPME project aims to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will offer a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network. CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor

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Gipsy Patch Lane noise assessment - 10th November 2022

The CPME project team has now completed work on a noise assessment for Gipsy Patch Lane following the completion of the main CPME civils construction works there.

The assessment has concluded that noise levels on Gipsy Patch Lane are not high enough, nor predicted to become high enough in the future, for any households to be eligible for a grant towards home noise insulation.

The noise assessment's non-technical summary is attached (PDF) for your information. The full technical report is available to view at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus (click on 'latest project news' and then scroll down to 'Noise surveys').

Kind regards
The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 7th August 2022

We are pleased to confirm Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic at 6am on Monday 8 August.

The road has been closed to traffic west of the railway bridge (the Rolls Royce side) for two weeks to allow resurfacing work to take place.

The resurfacing is the final stage of the main construction work for the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME). Other work, such as the installation of iPoints and bus shelters and landscaping will be completed by the end of the year.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience during the work and we apologise for any disruption caused.

New signal-controlled junction

When the road reopens the junction between Titan Road, Gipsy Patch Lane and Rolls Royce's Gate 5 access will become signal controlled.

Signals at this staggered junction were a requirement of the Horizon 38 site's planning permission and they have been installed by the council's Streetcare team on behalf of the Horizon 38 landowner.

The changes to the junction are not part of the CPME scheme, but to minimise disruption the work has been carried out at the same time.

Changes to the junction have also included the removal of the mini-roundabout, and the introduction of new pedestrian and cyclist crossings to make it easier and safer to get around on foot and by bike.

Network Rail work

In the coming months the Gipsy Patch Lane junction with Station Road may need to be closed again to traffic to enable Network Rail to carry out work on the railway embankment. We will update the community when Network Rail confirm when this work will take place and the traffic management, they need to carry out this work.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Kind regards
The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 12th July 2022

We are writing to update you on resurfacing that is due to take place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane resurfacing

Resurfacing work will be taking place along Gipsy Patch Lane, west of the railway bridge (the Rolls Royce side), this summer. The work will be carried out during the first two weeks of the school summer holidays. Carrying out the work during the school holidays, when traffic levels are reduced, will minimise disruption to traffic in the area.

This is the final stage of the main construction work for the CPME. Other work, such as the installation of iPoints and bus shelters and landscaping will be completed by the end of the year.

Resurfacing

The works will be carried out overnight, between 8pm and 6am, to minimise the disruption to local businesses during the daytime. Details of the traffic management can be found below.

This resurfacing will be like that carried out by our Streetcare team at Easter. It will be a significant phase of work and will involve the reconstruction of all the asphalt layers in the road, not simply the top layer, to make the road fit for purpose for years to come. More than 30 people will be involved in the operation each day, which is a combination of on-site workers, lorry drivers and those at the quarry mixing the materials.

More than 1,650 tonnes of material will be removed and during the asphalt operation we will be laying over 200 tonnes of material each day. There will be more than 170 lorry movements throughout the work.

Road closure

To carry out this work Gipsy Patch Lane will need to be closed to traffic in both directions between the entrance to Pegasus Park and the junction with Taurus Road 24 hours a day, from 8pm on Friday 22 July until 6am Monday 8 August. This will mean that during this two-week period the road will not reopen to traffic during the day.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use paths along Gipsy Patch Lane and access side junctions.

These dates and times may be subject to change.

We apologise for any disruption caused by these works.

Once this resurfacing is complete Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic.

Diversion

There will be a signed diversion route in place throughout the closure.

Traffic needing to travel between Stoke Gifford, Filton and Patchway will need to use Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, and vice versa.

Access is businesses

Throughout the works access to local businesses will be maintained.

Access into Pegasus Park will be via Gipsy Patch Lane east of the railway bridge (the residential side). Motorists exiting Pegasus Park will only be able to turn left.

To access businesses on the Horizon 38 industrial estate drivers will need to use Taurus Road, via the A38.

To access Rolls Royce Gate 5, between 8pm on Friday 22 July and 6am on Wednesday 27 July, motorists will need to travel along Gipsy Patch Lane via the Hatchet Road roundabout, east of the railway bridge.

To access Rolls Royce Gate 5, between 6am on Wednesday 27 July and 6am on Monday 8 August, motorists will need to travel along Gipsy Patch Lane via the A38, west of the railway bridge.

Network Rail work

The junction for Station Road may need to be closed again to traffic in the coming months to enable Network Rail to carry out work on the railway embankment. We will update the community when Network Rail confirm when this work will take place and the traffic management, they need to carry out this work.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will offer a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network. CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact the project team.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 13th June 2022

We are writing to inform you of resurfacing and maintenance work that is due to take place along Gipsy Patch Lane later this month. The work is being undertaken as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) project.

Maintenance work

Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed overnight on Monday 20 June to allow for maintenance work to be carried out to manhole covers. The closure will be in place between 8pm on Monday 20 June and 6am on Tuesday 21 June. During this work the road will be closed to all vehicles between the entrance to Pegasus Park and the junction with Little Stoke Lane. Pedestrians and cyclists will still have access. Diversions will be in place.

Resurfacing

Gipsy Patch Lane, between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and the Hatchet Road roundabout, will be resurfaced over two weekends, Friday 24 June to Monday 27 June and Friday 1 July to Monday 4 July.

The eastbound carriageway (towards the Hatchet Road roundabout) will be resurfaced on the first weekend between 8pm Friday 24 June and 6am Monday 27 June. During this time the eastbound carriageway of Gipsy Patch Lane, between the Little Stoke Lane junction and the Hatchet Road roundabout, will be closed to traffic. The junction with Little Stoke Lane will also be closed. Traffic exiting Bush Avenue will only be able to turn left. Diversions will be in place.

The westbound carriageway (towards the A38) will be resurfaced between 8pm Friday 1 July and 6am Monday 4 July. During this time the westbound carriageway of Gipsy Patch Lane, between the Hatchet Road roundabout and the Little Stoke Lane junction, will be closed to traffic. The junction with Bush Avenue will also be closed. Traffic needing access to Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive will need to use the service road next to The Stokers pub. Diversions will be in place.

The Hatchet Road roundabout will remain open throughout the works but will have lane restrictions in place.

The resurfacing work will be carried out round the clock, day and night. It is likely to cause some dust, noise and vibration but we will keep this to a minimum so far as is reasonably practicable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work and thank you for your patience.

Future works

Further resurfacing will be needed along Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway bridge (the Rolls Royce side) once the road widening works are completed on this side. This resurfacing is due to take place over the summer. We will notify you again when we have confirmed the dates for this work.

The junction for Station Road may also need to be closed again to traffic in the coming months to enable Network Rail to carry out work on the railway embankment. We will update the community when Network Rail confirm when this work will take place and the traffic management, they need to carry out this work.

The main construction work for the CPME is due to complete in September this year. Other work, such as the installation of iPoints and bus shelters and landscaping will be completed by the end of the year.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions, please email the project team.

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 18th May 2022

We are writing to inform you of resurfacing work that is due to take place in your road in order to improve the quality of the road surface. The work is being undertaken as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) project.

Resurfacing

The Gipsy Patch Lane service road, between Bush Avenue and The Stokers pub, will be resurfaced on Wednesday 25 May and Thursday 26 May, between 8am and 4pm.

In addition to this, a section of Smithcourt Drive, between house numbers 10 and 48, will be resurfaced on Friday 27 May, Monday 30 May and Tuesday 31 May, between 8am and 4pm.

During the works there will be no vehicle access along these stretches of road. This is so that the works can be undertaken effectively, safely and to avoid any damage to vehicles. If you require use of your vehicle during these hours, please find alternative parking outside of the works area. Once the works begin it will not be possible for your vehicle to enter or exit your driveway. Please do not leave your vehicle on the road outside of your property as this may delay the works. A towaway scheme for vehicles left on the road will be in operation. Cycle and pedestrian access to properties will be maintained. The road will reopen to vehicles overnight and over the weekend Saturday 28 May and Sunday 29 May. Access to The Stokers pub will also be maintained.

The works are likely to cause some dust, noise and vibration but we will keep this to a minimum so far as is reasonably practicable. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work and thank you for your patience.

Further resurfacing work in the area is scheduled to take place over the summer months, and we will notify the community of this work once dates are confirmed.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 29th March 2022

We are emailing you to make you aware of three overnight closures on Gipsy Patch Lane that are needed in preparation of the resurfacing work taking place over Easter.

Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to all traffic between the junction of Little Stoke Lane and the entrance to Pegasus Park on the following dates:

Friday 1 April 8pm to 6am
Saturday 2 April 8pm to 6am

Gipsy Patch Lane will also need to be closed between its junction with the A38 and the entrance to Pegasus Park on Thursday 7 April 8pm to 6am.

These closures are needed to enable our Streetcare teams to change the temporary traffic management, relocate the temporary vehicle restraint barriers and carry out additional survey work along the road.

All side road junctions along Gipsy Patch Lane that fall within the closures will also need to be closed to traffic. This includes the junctions for Titan Road, Taurus Road, Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service roads, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue.

Signed diversion routes will be in place during the overnight closures.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use path along Gipsy Patch Lane and access the side junctions.

These dates and times may be subject to change.

We apologise for any disruption caused by these works.

Easter road closure

From 8pm on Friday 8 April until 6am Monday 25 April, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to all traffic between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and the entrance to Pegasus Park. This road closure is needed to enable resurfacing work to be carried out.

During the resurfacing work all side road junctions along Gipsy Patch Lane that fall within the closure will also need to be closed to traffic. This includes the junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service roads, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use path along Gipsy Patch Lane and access the side junctions.

Two-way reopening

From 6am on Monday 25 April Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic. All side road junctions, including Titan Road, will also reopen to traffic from this date.

Road widening work will continue to be carried out on Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway bridge (the Rolls Royce side) and to enable this work narrow lanes will be in place along this stretch of the carriageway.

Further information

More information about the work mentioned in this email, including diversion routes, is available on the project webpage, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 18th March 2022

We are writing to update you on work that is taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane update

Work to widen the carriageway along Gipsy Patch Lane to the east (residential side) of the railway bridge is almost complete. Streetcare teams have successfully widened the road to make way for new bus lanes, widened footpaths to create new shared use paths, installed new metrobus stops and carried out some landscaping works.

The final stage of the main construction work to the east of the railway bridge is resurfacing which will take place over the Easter holidays, including over the bank holiday weekend. To carry out the resurfacing work Gipsy Patch Lane will need to be closed to traffic in both directions. It is hoped carrying out this work over the school holiday period, when traffic levels are reduced, will minimise disruption. Details of this traffic management can be found below.

Once the resurfacing is complete, we are pleased to confirm that Gipsy Patch Lane will be able to reopen to two-way traffic along its full length between the A38 junction and the Hatchet Road roundabout.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing work can be noisy so it will be carried out during daytime hours only to minimise disruption to nearby residents.

The resurfacing will be a significant phase of work. Our Streetcare team will be reconstructing all the asphalt layers in the road, not simply the top layer, to make the road fit for purpose for years to come. More than 30 people will be involved in the operation each day, which is a combination of on-site workers, lorry drivers and those at the quarry mixing the materials.

More than 1,900 tonnes of material will be removed and during the asphalt operation we will be laying over 200 tonnes of material each day. There will be more than 200 lorry movements throughout the work.

Easter road closure

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the shared use path along Gipsy Patch Lane and access the side junctions.

These dates and times may be subject to change.

We apologise for any disruption caused by these works.

Diversions and access

There will be signed diversion routes in place throughout the closure.

Traffic needing to travel between Stoke Gifford, Filton and Patchway will need to use Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, and vice versa.

The eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane, will remain fully open to residents and patrons of the Stokers pub. Drivers are advised that the speed limit along Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive will be reduced to 20mph for the duration of the works.

Little Stoke Lane will also remain open. Vehicular access to the shops at Gifford Crescent will be via Kingsway.

Vehicular access to Station Road will be via Little Stoke Lane and Clay Lane. Please be aware that access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road is restricted by a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

Access into Pegasus Park will be via the A38 and Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway bridge only.

Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent, Pegasus Park and the Stokers Pub will remain open during the resurfacing.

Two-way reopening

From 6am on Monday 25 April Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to two-way traffic. All side road junctions, including Titan Road, will also reopen to traffic from this date.

Future works

Further resurfacing will be needed along Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway once the road widening works are completed on this side. Resurfacing is also being planned for some local roads in the Stoke Gifford area.

This resurfacing is due to take place over the summer. We will notify you again when we have confirmed the dates for this work.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 13th January 2022

We are writing to update you on road widening work that is taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Road widening work is currently taking place along Gipsy Patch Lane, east and west of the railway bridge, to make way for new bus lanes.

Weekend closure

Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic, between the service road junction, east of the railway bridge, and the Rolls Royce Gate 5, west of the railway bridge, between 8pm Saturday 29 January and 8pm Sunday 30 January.

This closure is needed to enable the Council's Streetcare team to make changes to the temporary road layout and reopen some of the residential side-road junctions following substantial completion of certain phases of the works. Other works east and west of bridge will continue.

During the closure, the westbound one-way system will not be in operation and those needing to travel by car between Stoke Gifford and the Filton/Patchway area will need to use the diversion route via Winterbourne Road, Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, or vice versa. For those requiring access to Pegasus Park this will be via Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway bridge where portable traffic signals will be in operation.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained via the new shared use path.

From Monday 31 January, the junctions for Gifford Crescent, Station Road and the service road will be reopened to traffic. Vehicles will be able to turn left and right out of both junctions.

The westbound one-way system will remain in place but will be moved and will be in operation between the Station Road junction, east of the railway bridge, and the Rolls Royce Gate 5 junction, west of the railway bridge.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works.

Station Road junction

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 1st December 2021

We are writing to update you on work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Sunday closure

On Sunday 5 December, between 9am and 5pm, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. This closure is to enable Network Rail and its contractor to install the valve chambers for the new pumping station.

During the closure, the westbound one-way system along Gipsy Patch Lane will not be in operation and those needing to travel by car between Stoke Gifford and the Filton/Patchway area will need to use the diversion route via Winterbourne Road, Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, or vice versa.

For those requiring access to Pegasus Park this will be via Gipsy Patch Lane west of the railway bridge where portable traffic signals will be in operation.

Pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are available. More information on these can be found on our project webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

During the closure Network Rail will operate a shuttle service for pedestrians needing access either side of the bridge. This service will be free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

Surfacing work

In December, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be carrying out overnight work on Gipsy Patch Lane under the new railway bridge.

The work will involve surfacing the new southern carriageway and footpath. The work is due to take place overnight from Monday 13 December to Thursday 23 December, between the hours of 5.30pm and 2.30am on weeknights only. Please note these dates may be subject to change and we will keep the community updated.

The westbound one-way system along Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open during this work.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work. Any questions or issues can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Christmas

No work will be taking place along Gipsy Patch Lane over the festive period. Work will resume on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

If you have any questions, please contact the project team via this email address.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 8th November 2021

We are writing to update you on road widening work that is taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Road widening work is currently taking place along Gipsy Patch Lane, east and west of the railway bridge, to make way for new bus lanes. To enable this work to continue, two Sunday road closures are needed along Gipsy Patch Lane.

Both closures are being carried out on a Sunday to limit the disruption caused to commuters and businesses operating in the area. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works.

First Sunday closure

On Sunday 21 November, between 8am and 8pm, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic east of the railway bridge, between the Little Stoke Lane junction and the railway bridge. This is to enable the Council's Streetcare team to make changes to the temporary road layout. The works will involve relocating the temporary road studs and concrete barrier east of the Stokers pub. These changes are being made to help reopen some of the residential side-road junctions following substantial completion of certain phases of the works. Other works east of bridge will continue.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained via the new shared use path.

From Monday 22 November, the junctions for Smithcourt Drive and the service road leading to Bush Avenue on Gipsy Patch Lane will be reopened to traffic. Vehicles will be able to turn left and right out of both junctions.

The westbound one-way system will remain in place but will be moved and will be in operation between the service road leading to Bush Avenue, east of the railway bridge, and the Rolls Royce Gate 5 junction, west of the railway bridge.

The junctions for Station Road, Gifford Crescent, and the service road on the north side of the carriageway will remain closed to traffic whilst we continue to work in this area.

Second Sunday closure

On Sunday 28 November, between 8am and 8pm, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic west of the railway bridge, between the railway bridge and the Rolls Royce Gate 5 junction. This is to enable the Council's Streetcare team to make changes to the temporary road layout. The works will involve removing the temporary road studs and the concrete barrier west of the mini roundabout. These changes are being made following substantial completion of the works in this area. Other works west of bridge will continue.

During the closure, the westbound one-way system will not be in operation and those needing to travel by car between Stoke Gifford and the Filton/Patchway area will need to use the diversion route via Winterbourne Road, Bradley Stoke Way and the A38, or vice versa. For those requiring access to Pegasus Park this will continue to be via east of the railway bridge where there will be portable traffic signals in operation.

Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained via the new shared use path.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 14th October 2021

We are emailing you to make you aware of urgent works taking place this weekend on Little Stoke Lane, Stoke Gifford. These works are being carried out by Wessex Water and are not connected to the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) scheme.

From Saturday 16 October for approximately four days Little Stoke Lane will be closed at its junction with Gipsy Patch Lane to enable Wessex Water to carry out urgent repair work to a collapsed drain.

The repair work needs to take place to prevent flooding to properties in the area.

A diversion route will be signposted via Orpheus Avenue.

Anyone needing to access businesses along Station Road, including Patchway Station, or the shops on Kingsway will need to use Orpheus Avenue.

The westbound one-way system on Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open for through traffic and those needing to access Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive.

We apologise for any additional disruption this work will cause but we have been informed that Wessex Water need to carry out this repair work as soon as possible.

While this work is taking place the Council's Streetcare team will take advantage of the road closure and carry out some surfacing repair work along Gipsy Patch Lane.

For further information please contact Wessex Water via www.wessexwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/emergencies/work-in-our-area

Kind regards,

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 6th October 2021

We are writing to inform you about work that is taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

On Saturday 16 October, between 8am and 8pm, coring work will take place in the carriageway along Gipsy Patch Lane between the railway bridge and the junction with Little Stoke Lane. The process involves taking small rotary samples from the existing asphalt running surface.

This work will help with preparations for the resurfacing that will take place along Gipsy Patch Lane once the road widening work is complete. It will enable the project team to review a set of samples of the existing highways surface to clarify what the different layers are made up of and how it will need to be disposed of or retained, with the aim to reduce what is sent to landfill.

Pavement coring can be noisy and we apologise for any disruption caused. Our Streetcare crews will work to minimise noise, dust and vibration.
The westbound one-way system will remain open during this work.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane - One-way system westbound - 1st September 2021

We are writing to update you on the opening of a one-way system along Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford.

Gipsy Patch Lane: One-way system westbound

Gipsy Patch Lane will reopen to traffic in a westbound direction only (towards the A38) from 6am on Monday 6 September. This will make it easier to travel through the area and allow us to work on the road widening safely and efficiently.

The one-way system will operate between Little Stoke Lane and the mini roundabout at Rolls Royce. Traffic will only be able to travel westbound between those points, towards Filton and the A38.

The existing signposted diversion route will remain in place for eastbound traffic via the A38, Bradley Stoke Way and Winterbourne Road.

The one-way system will be in place until the road widening works have been completed in late 2022.

Access for residents and businesses during the one-way system

For safety reasons while the one-way system is in operation, the majority of side roads to the east of the railway bridge (residential side) need to be closed at their junctions with Gipsy Patch Lane. This includes Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue (west).

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained via diversion routes.

The Gipsy Patch Lane service road's junction with Gifford Crescent will be open. The eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane, will remain fully open to residents and patrons of the pub. Drivers are advised that the speed limit along Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive will be reduced to 20mph for the duration of the works. Little Stoke Lane will also remain open.

Businesses at Station Road, Gifford Crescent and the Stokers Pub will remain open for business as usual. Vehicular access to the shops at Gifford Crescent will be via Kingsway while cars accessing the Stokers Pub will do so from Bush Avenue (east). Vehicular access to Station Road will continue to be via Clay Lane to the north.

At Horizon 38, Titan Road will be closed, so all traffic will need to use Taurus Road.

Businesses at Pegasus Park will be accessible and remain open as usual, but traffic entering and exiting will need to follow the one-way system. This means that the junction will be 'right-in' and 'right-out' only.

A map of the one-way system is available to view on our webpage here.

Further information

We will continue to share updates and information about the work via our Facebook group. Our webpage also contains additional information and a link to sign-up for our project newsletter.

If you have any questions, please contact the project team.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane road widening work - 20th August 2021

We are writing to update you on work taking place along Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Work update

Over the summer the Council's Streetcare team have been carrying out preparation work for the road widening on Gipsy Patch Lane.

Work so far has included the installation of new linear drainage systems, a new attenuation tank at the Gifford Crescent junction, temporary works at Pegasus Park and work to install new traffic signals outside Rolls Royce. Temporary fencing has also been installed to provide a visual screen of the works area for residents who will be closest to the road widening works.

Bristol Water and Western Power Distribution have both completed diversions of their apparatus, which will enable both the road widening work and future landscaping. This includes the planting of replacement trees.

At the railway bridge, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths have been carrying out highway construction work along the north-side carriageway in preparation of Gipsy Patch Lane opening one-way westbound.

Next phase of work

The next phase of work, due to start on Friday 27 August, will involve preparing Gipsy Patch Lane for the one-way westbound reopening in September. This work will include the installation of temporary road studs and a temporary vehicle restraint barrier. The purpose of the temporary barrier is to segregate public traffic from works traffic in order to keep everyone safe.

Work on the new road widening for east of bridge shall commence on Tuesday 31 August, with work west of bridge to start once the one-way system goes live in September.

The works so far as is reasonably practicable will be undertaken during daytime hours; however, night working is unavoidable between 8pm and 6am on Friday 27 August and Friday 3 September. These works will involve some background noise but only for a limited duration.

Traffic management

To enable this next phase of work, Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to traffic in both directions from its junction with Little Stoke Lane through to the railway bridge from 8pm on Friday 27 August until the one-way system commences in September.

This will mean that all side roads along this stretch will be closed to traffic at their junction with Gipsy Patch Lane. This will include Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue. This will take effect from Friday 27 August until completion of the works in late 2022.

Vehicular and pedestrian access for residents and businesses will be maintained via diversion routes. The eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane, will remain fully open to residents and patrons of the pub. Vehicular access to the shops at Gifford Crescent will be via Kingsway and vehicular access to Station Road will continue to be via Clay Lane to the north.

The Gipsy Patch Lane service road's junction with Gifford Crescent, and Little Stoke Lane will remain open.

Pedestrian access under the bridge will also remain open and a temporary crossing facility shall be in place between the junctions of Gifford Crescent and Station Road whilst work to widen the road and reconstruct the existing crossing takes place.

Please note, these dates and times may be subject to change.

Westbound one-way opening

Gipsy Patch Lane is due to reopen to traffic in a westbound direction only (towards the A38) in September. Once a date is confirmed we will notify you.

The one-way system will operate between Little Stoke Lane and the mini roundabout at Rolls Royce. Traffic will only be able to travel westbound between those points, towards Filton and the A38.

The existing signposted diversion route will remain in place for eastbound traffic via the A38, Bradley Stoke Way and Winterbourne Road.

The one-way system will be in place until the road widening works have been completed in late 2022.

Access for residents and businesses during the one-way system

For safety reasons the majority of side roads to the east of the railway bridge (residential side) need to be closed at their junctions with Gipsy Patch Lane during the one-way system preparation and operation. This will include Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue.

Access for residents and businesses will be maintained via diversion routes.

At Horizon 38, Titan Road will be closed, so all traffic will need to use Taurus Road.

A map about the one-way system and side road closures can viewed be here.

Further information

We would like to thank you for your continued patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused by these ongoing works.

We will continue to share updates and information about the work via our Facebook group. Our webpage also contains additional information and a link to sign-up for our project newsletter.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 5th August 2021

We are writing to inform you about overnight highways work that is due to take place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Overnight work

In preparation for Gipsy Patch Lane opening one-way, highways construction work is needed along the north-side carriageway under the new railway bridge.

This work will take place overnight, between the hours of 5pm and 2.30am, from Tuesday 10 August to Friday 13 August inclusive.

Pedestrian access under the railway bridge will remain open during this work, as will access to Pegasus Park.

We apologies for any disruption this work may cause and thank you for your continued patience.

One-way system

We will shortly be able to reopen Gipsy Patch Lane in a westbound direction only (towards the A38) and this one-way system is planned to open in September. Further information is available on the CPME webpage.

CPME

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project, please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage. If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 27th July 2021

Gipsy Patch Lane: One-way system westbound opening soon

We are writing to update you on the work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane has been closed to vehicles at the railway bridge to facilitate the bridge replacement and road lowering underneath being undertaken by Network Rail and its contractors. We will shortly be able to reopen the road in a westbound direction only (towards the A38) and this one-way system is planned to open in September.

Public drop-in event

To help keep you informed and to explain more about the one-way system, we are holding a public drop-in event on Wednesday 4th August from 3pm to 7pm. This will be in the car park of the Stokers pub, Gipsy Patch Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol, BS34 8LU. We would encourage people to walk or cycle to the event if possible, however if you need to drive, please park considerately.

Officers from the council will be available to answer your questions, along with representatives from Network Rail. Everyone is welcome to attend at any time during the drop-in session, and there is no need to book. The information that will be available at the event, including the attached map and supporting details, will also be made available on the CPME webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus.

We are in the process of arranging a second drop-in event and will publicise further details when they are confirmed.

Covid-19 Guidelines

The event is outdoors and there will be a small, covered area. If it rains the event will still go ahead. In light of the continuing Covid pandemic and rising cases we kindly request those attending to observe social distancing, and we are encouraging staff and visitors to wear face masks.

Further information

When we know the confirmed date for the start of the one-way system, we will write to you again.

We will also use our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme to provide further updates and reminders. Our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus contains additional information, including frequently asked questions about the one-way system and a link to sign-up for our newsletter.

If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 18th June 2021

Since our last update, works have continued on Gipsy Patch Lane to the east of the railway bridge, including the completion of the construction works for two new metrobus stops, the diversion of water and electricity mains and installation of improved highway drainage on the north side. We are now writing to update you about a number of planned works taking place this summer while the road is still closed at the railway bridge, prior to the commencement of the main highway widening works starting later in the year.

Gifford Crescent closure

From Monday 5 July the straight stretch of Gifford Crescent directly off Gipsy Patch Lane needs to be closed until the highway widening works are complete in 2022. The circulatory part of Gifford Crescent where the shops are located will remain open and pedestrian/cyclist access will be maintained. The closure is initially needed for the installation of highway drainage attenuation pipes in the adjacent triangular grass verge area to support the forthcoming highway widening works on Gipsy Patch Lane, and then it is needed for the westbound one way system along Gipsy Patch Lane which is planned to be implemented this autumn. If the drainage works are completed earlier than anticipated then we will open Gifford Crescent in the interim. The diversion route will be via Little Stoke Lane and Kingsway and will be signposted.

The Gifford Crescent junction with the Gipsy Patch Lane service road needs to be closed as part of this, so users of the service road will need to access/egress via the junction to the east directly onto Gipsy Patch Lane.

Number 12 Stagecoach bus service

Following the closure of Gifford Crescent the following stops will not be served by the 12 service:

Stop Name	Road	Direction	Nearest Alternative Stop
Bush Avenue	Gipsy Patch Lane	Eastbound towards Bristol Parkway	Kingsway Roundabout located on Kingsway. Will be served by the 12 in both directions
Bush Avenue	Gipsy Patch Lane	Westbound towards Severn Beach	Kingsway Roundabout located on Kingsway. Will be served by the 12 in both directions
Kingsway Roundabout	Gipsy Patch Lane	Westbound towards Severn Beach	Kingsway Roundabout located on Kingsway. Will be served by the 12 in both directions
Kingsway Roundabout	Gifford Crescent	Southbound towards Bristol Parkway	Kingsway Roundabout located on Kingsway. Will be served by the 12 in both directions

The 12 will divert via Little Stoke Lane and will continue to serve all stops along the Kingsway in both directions. This diversion is likely to remain in place until the Gipsy Patch Lane highway widening construction works are complete. Please check www.travelwest.info for all the latest travel information in the area.

Tree pruning

The remaining trees on the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane to the east of the railway bridge are being retained. We are undertaking drainage works close to them and are taking the greatest care possible to avoid damaging them.

However pruning of the trees is needed as they are overhanging the footpath and carriageway and could be struck by vehicles. The pruning will be undertaken by professional tree surgeons who will ensure that the long term health of the trees is not damaged, and under the supervision of an ecologist.

Dates of the pruning have not yet been confirmed but it is likely to be undertaken in August and will last around one week. Traffic management will be needed whilst the pruning is taking place.

To the west of the railway bridge opposite Rolls Royce, pruning of the remaining trees and the felling of one that is extending into the footpath is also planned to take place at the same time.

Fence installation

A temporary wooden fence will be erected along the southern verge adjacent to Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive this summer. This is to provide a visual screen of the works area for residents who will be closest to the road widening works on the south side of the highway and to provide some mitigation against noise and dust. It will be removed and reused elsewhere once the highway widening works are complete in 2022.

Materials storage

We are making every effort to store as much of the material needed for the Gipsy Patch Lane works in off-site compound locations away from the main works site. However, we now plan to store some material on the verge areas and on the closed carriageway sections of Gipsy Patch Lane because of ongoing national supply chain and haulage delays caused by the Covid pandemic. This will ensure we have the necessary materials ready for when we need them, to avoid programme delay.

Utility diversion works

These are progressing well, with Western Power Distribution having completed their diversion and the current Bristol Water diversion near Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue being on schedule. You may have also noticed work taking place under the railway bridge. This is the relaying of a new water main and reinstating of utilities diversions.

Pegasus Park turning circle works

From Monday 5 July we will be undertaking highway works at the turning circle next to the Pegasus Park access to the west of the railway bridge. Access to the park will not be affected but there will be additional traffic management in place in that location.

Further information

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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San Andreas roundabout update - 26th May 2021

Key CPME project milestone at San Andreas roundabout complete

We have completed improvement work at the San Andreas roundabout next to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) (see attached diagram for location). The completion represents significant milestone of our £57 million investment into sustainable transport services and road improvements in the Cribbs Patchway area. There are immediate benefits for all road users when Traffic signals go live, subject to a successful test, on Thursday 27 May.

The signals will improve safety, manage predicted traffic growth, control flows to suit varying demands during the day and allow for future bus priority measures.
New toucan crossings will provide safer pedestrian and cyclist routes.
We have also recently completed the extension of the shared use path from the San Andreas roundabout along Hayes Way, to further improve pedestrian and cyclist access in the area.

In the future, a new road link joining with the San Andreas roundabout will provide a sustainable transport route into the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood. Metrobuses, other local buses, emergency vehicles, taxis, motorcycles, and cyclists will use the link. The Council is constructing new infrastructure to benefit existing local communities so that it is in place for when people move into the new homes.

Our ambition is to encourage more active and sustainable travel for local journeys from the moment families move into the New Neighbourhood. Hopping onto the metrobus to Bristol Parkway Station or wider bus network, taking a cycle ride to work, or walking to the Mall will become active travel choices. Sustainable travel will become part-and-parcel of everyday life for New Neighbourhood residents.

You may continue to see landscaping work, including tree planting, that will take place at San Andreas during the rest of this year.

We will continue to keep the community up to date via social media and our website. Any updates will be posted on social media via www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and the project webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage people to sign up for our project newsletter, which can be done by visiting our webpage.

Kind regards

The CPME Project Team
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 24th May 2021

We are writing to inform you about forthcoming water pipe diversion work as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Bristol Water pipe diversion

As part of the plans to widen Gipsy Patch Lane to enable the construction of a new bus lane, Bristol Water need to divert a major water pipe, running from the road outside 26 Gipsy Patch Lane through to outside 34 Smithcourt Drive (see attached map for detail). This will follow on from the work being undertaken by Western Power Distribution (WPD) and will involve digging a trench and installing a new pipe. The works will begin on 1st June and last approximately eight weeks until the end of July, with working hours from 8am to 5pm, proceeding east to west in stages.

Along Smithcourt Drive, the new pipe will be laid in sections of between 50-75 metres in the carriageway for approximately four weeks from 1st June. Although the road will be accessible, parking will be limited to driveways while this phase of the work is happening due to limited space. Road plates will be used to ensure that the junction between Smithcourt Drive and Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open.

From the corner of Gipsy Patch Lane and Bush Avenue to the Stokers pub car park, a road closure will be required, however, access will be maintained for residents and patrons of the pub. This phase of the works is planned to start from 28th June and will last for approximately four weeks.

Works will also be happening along the path in front of the Stokers pub for approximately three weeks from 21st June. Access along the path will be maintained. All dates may be subject to change.

To minimise disruption where possible, Bristol Water's contractors will operate in a similar manner to the current WPD works, digging, installing the pipe and reinstating the trench in sections as they go.

The work will be noisy at times and the excavations may create some dust. Bristol Water and South Gloucestershire Council apologise for any disruption that this may cause. Wherever possible, noisier parts of the work will be carried out in the middle of the day.

There may be times when the supply of water to some properties needs to be interrupted. Bristol Water will inform any affected properties in advance and will keep any interruptions to a minimum.

In the event of an emergency outside of working hours, you will be able to reach Bristol Water on 0345 702 3797.

CPME

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 5th May 2021

We are writing to inform you about forthcoming electric cable diversion work as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Wester Power Distribution cable diversion

In order to enable the road widening work to take place and to ensure that we can plant as many replacement trees as possible, Western Power Distribution (WPD) need to divert a major power cable, running from the junction of Gipsy Patch Lane and Bush Avenue through to 24 Smithcourt Drive (see attached map for detail). This involves digging a trench and laying a new cable and duct in it, section by section.

The new trench is planned to be installed in the carriageway where possible and in the path adjacent to Stokers pub. The works are scheduled to take place for approximately three weeks between 10th May and 1st June with working hours from 7:30am to 4:30pm, proceeding east to west.

To minimise disruption where possible, WPD's contractors will dig, install the cable and duct, and reinstate the trench in sections as they go, but not necessarily all in the same day. There will be times during the day where access to some driveways will be limited whilst works are being undertaken directly in front of properties. The best intentions are that all driveways will remain accessible outside of working hours. WPD's contractors will carry out door knocking each day to inform residents who will be directly affected by the next day's excavations.

The nature of this work means that the excavation / backfill process will be noisy at times and cutting operations may also create some dust. WPD and South Gloucestershire Council apologise for any disruption that this may cause. Noisier parts of the work will be carried out in the middle of the day where possible. In the event of an emergency outside of working hours, you can reach WPD on 0800 6783 105.

Bristol Water pipe diversion

Bristol Water also need to undertake diversion works over similar extents and we anticipate that this work will commence in June. We will write to affected households again when we have confirmed dates and further information to share.

CPME

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 28th April 2021

We are writing to inform you about the next stage of works for the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

CPME

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Upgraded bus stops on Gipsy Patch Lane, near Little Stoke Lane

The initial phase of works on the eastbound bus stop is now complete, with initial works on the westbound stop due to be complete in the first week of May. We are currently working with partners to install new bus shelters at these stops and we will advise the local community when we have a confirmed date for this. At this stage, it is not confirmed whether Stagecoach will continue to divert the number 12 service so we advise that bus users check the TravelWest website before any journey: https://travelwest.info/.

The current traffic management that has been in place to facilitate the bus stop works will therefore be removed in the first week of May. However, we are then moving on to do other works which require different traffic management elsewhere on Gipsy Patch Lane – see below.

Drainage works

We are widening Gipsy Patch Lane in order to construct a new bus lane and as part of this we need to install a new drainage system. These drainage works will be happening on the north side of Gipsy Patch Lane to the east of the bridge and will start on Tuesday 4th May. These works will be undertaken in several stages during May, June and July.

These works require temporary traffic lights that will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during this period. The traffic lights will restrict the road to single-file traffic along Gipsy Patch Lane between the Stokers pub and the eastbound dual carriageway section of Gipsy Patch Lane. The drainage works will not impede access to properties.

Utility diversions

Western Power Distribution (WPD) and Bristol Water also need to carry out work to divert essential underground services and we anticipate this starting in May. This will require trenching to be dug to the south of Gipsy Patch Lane, along Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive. We will be in touch with directly affected properties shortly to provide further details on this stage of the project.

Gipsy Patch Lane railway follow-up works

Following the installation of the new railway bridge at Gipsy Patch Lane, further planned work will be undertaken by Network Rail to pack stone under the tracks.

This is needed to optimise performance, increase the life span of the track and, ultimately, ensure the safety of passengers.

Network Rail will be working each night between the hours of 11:45pm and 8.20am on the dates below when trains aren't operating so their teams can work safely, but please be aware these dates may change.

Saturday 1 May – Sunday 2 May
Saturday 12 June – Sunday 13 June
Saturday 7 August – Sunday 8 August

Network Rail is aware that they are working close to residential properties and will try to minimise disruption as much as possible. If you have any questions about the work taking place, please call their 24-hour National Helpline on: 03457 11 41 41 or visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus.

Thank you again for your ongoing patience and understanding as we improve sustainable transport for the local area. If you have any questions, please contact the project team using the contact details below.

Further information

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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San Andreas roundabout update - 22nd April 2021

We are writing to update you on work taking place at the San Andreas roundabout, Cribbs Causeway, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

San Andreas roundabout

Once complete, the CPME route will travel through the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood (CPNN), on the former airfield site, and will link with Highwood Road at the San Andreas roundabout next to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

To allow this a number of changes are taking place at the roundabout. A short section of new road has been built to link the roundabout and the CPNN. The link road will be restricted to metrobuses, other local buses, emergency vehicles, taxis, motorcycles and cyclists, subject to consultation through a Traffic Regulation Order process at a later date. There will also be shared use paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

Other changes at the roundabout have included:

A new junction on the San Andreas roundabout to accommodate the new road
The roundabout will change shape to accommodate the new junction
The roundabout will become signalised
New toucan and pedestrian crossings

The majority of this work is almost complete, with further landscaping work due to take place later in the year.

Overnight closures

A final phase of work to complete at the San Andreas roundabout is the installing of high friction surfacing on the approaches to the roundabout to maximise safety.

We will be doing this over approximately six nights (8pm to 6am) between Monday 26 April and Friday 7 May inclusive. The work is highly weather dependent which is why we cannot confirm in advance which six nights in that two week period the works will take place.

We will need to close one arm of the roundabout at a time during those nights to do the surfacing. Signed diversion routes will be in operation.

The roundabout will remain open during the day and at weekends.

Due to the work being highly weather dependent, dates are subject to change and we will continue to update the community. We apologise for any disruption caused by this work.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage. If you have any questions, please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 30th March 2021

We are writing to update you on the work currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane closure

Network Rail and its contractor are currently carrying out works to lower the road below the new railway bridge, as well as installing an improved drainage system, including a new pumping station under the road.

There are national design standards that must be complied with whenever a new bridge is built which stipulate how much headroom is required under a new bridge. It is not possible to raise the bridge because of the railway line, so to comply with the standards for a new bridge, the only option is to lower the road.

Following ongoing surveys and investigations, a larger pumping station and drainage system than previously envisaged is now required to help future-proof this key stretch of road from flooding.

Due to this upgrade in the drainage system, Gipsy Patch Lane needs to remain closed to traffic at the railway bridge longer. As has been the case throughout the CPME, and given the scale of this major infrastructure project, dates can be subject to change. We sincerely apologise for this and for the ongoing disruption it may be causing for you.

Network Rail and its contractor recently applied for a renewed Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO), which will allow them to keep Gipsy Patch Lane closed to traffic at the railway bridge until mid-December 2021. However, it is hoped that the road will be able to reopen to some traffic sooner than this.

We are working closely with Network Rail and its contractor to understand if there is opportunity for a partial reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane one-way in the autumn, which will allow for some traffic under the bridge but maintain sufficient space for work to continue safely.

These traffic management arrangements will also need to be co-ordinated with the road widening works on Gipsy Patch Lane, which are due to commence either side of the railway bridge during the summer.

Access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will continue to remain open under the railway bridge.

These changes are not expected to cause any delay to the overall completion of the CPME project, which is programmed for winter 2022/2023.

Gipsy Patch Lane road widening

Road widening is needed on Gipsy Patch Lane further to the east and west of the railway bridge to enable the creation of a new bus lane. During these construction activities significant traffic management measures will be needed.

To enable these works to be carried out safely and as efficiently as possible a westbound one-way system needs to be installed along Gipsy Patch Lane, between the junction with Little Stoke Lane and the mini roundabout at Rolls Royce. This will mean that traffic will only be able to travel along this section of Gipsy Patch Lane towards Filton and the A38 junction.

Traffic needing to travel eastbound will need to use the existing diversion route via the A38, Bradley Stoke Way and Winterbourne Road. The diversion route will be fully signposted.

For safety reasons, side roads to the east (residential side) of the railway bridge that fall within the one-way system will need to be closed at their junction with Gipsy Patch Lane. This will include Station Road, Gifford Crescent, the service road, Smithcourt Drive and Bush Avenue. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained via diversion routes. The eastern access to Bush Avenue, nearest to Little Stoke Lane, will remain open to residents. Little Stoke Lane will also remain open.

Closing these side roads is considered the safest approach once the one-way system is installed to prevent drivers potentially turning the wrong way out of these junctions.

Access to Pegasus Park will be retained, but traffic entering and exiting will need to comply with the one-way system. Traffic exiting Titan Road will only be able to turn left.

We will write to you again in the coming months when we have confirmed start dates for the road widening works and the installation of the one-way system.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the CPME project please visit our webpage or like and follow our Facebook group. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane - piling work - 23rd February 2021

This update is to inform you of further piling work that will be taking place at the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

The piling work is needed as part of the construction of a retaining wall for the new railway bridge and carriageway below. The piling is only required on the east (residential) side of the new bridge.

The work is expected to begin on Wednesday 24 February and will last approximately one week. The work will take place during the daytime only, between the hours of 8am and 6pm, and on weekdays only. No piling work will be carried out at weekends.

Please note, these dates and timeframes may be subject to change.

Piling can be noisy, however, Network Rail, and its contractor, will work to minimise the disturbance and will put in a number of noise mitigation measures including sound barriers around the piling equipment. Noise and vibration will be monitored throughout the work and adjustments will be made if necessary.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work and thank you for your continued patience.

If you have any questions concerning the piling work, please contact the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the CPME project please like and follow our Facebook group and keep an eye on our webpage where any updates will be posted. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Kind regards
The CPME Project Team

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Gipsy Patch Lane bus stop upgrades - 16th February 2021

We are writing to inform you of work that is due to start to upgrade bus stops on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Gipsy Patch Lane bus stops

As part of CPME four bus stops along Gipsy Patch Lane will be upgraded to metrobus stops. The bus stops affected are:

Bush Avenue/Smithcourt Drive bus stop, westbound
Bush Avenue/Smithcourt Drive bus stop, eastbound
Rolls Royce bus stop, eastbound
Rolls Royce bus stop, westbound

The upgrades will include extending the bus stop platforms, new paving, replacing existing shelters with new metrobus shelters and the installation of metrobus iPoints and CCTV to monitor the stops. iPoints provide travel information and allow passengers to purchase tickets before they board and plan journeys.

The metrobus stops on the CPME route will be available for use by local bus services.

Upgrade work

The Bush Avenue bus stops located to the east of the railway bridge (the residential side), will be upgraded first. This work will begin in the week commencing Monday 8 March and is expected to last approximately eight weeks.

The initial phase of work will involve extending the bus stop platforms, laying the new paving and installing the electrical connections needed for the iPoints and CCTV.

The Rolls Royce bus stops will be upgraded later in the construction programme as part of works to the west of the railway bridge.

Traffic management

To enable the upgrades traffic management is needed along Gipsy Patch Lane.

For work to take place at the eastbound Bush Avenue bus stop, a lane closure will be required. This will reduce the eastbound carriageway on Gipsy Patch Lane to a single lane of traffic.

For work to take place at the westbound Bush Avenue bus stop, a lane closure will also be required. However, this means that the westbound carriageway on Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to all traffic between its junction with Little Stoke Lane and just before its junction with Smithcourt Drive. No vehicles will be able to travel westbound along this stretch of Gipsy Patch Lane for the duration of these works.

Access to Bush Avenue and Smithcourt Drive will remain open and the pedestrian crossing on Gipsy Patch Lane will be maintained during the works.

A signed diversion route for westbound traffic will be available via Little Stoke Lane, Kingsway, and Gifford Crescent.

The lane closures will start on Monday 8 March and last approximately eight weeks. The closures will need to remain in place around the clock during the works.

These dates may be subject to change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

Bus passengers

During the works, the two bus stops affected will be out of service and bus passengers will be directed to use alternative stops.

The number 12 bus service, operated by Stagecoach, will be diverted during the works. For passengers travelling on the number 12 bus service towards Severn Beach, the service will divert from Gipsy Patch Lane and travel via Little Stoke Lane and Kingsway before turning at the Kingsway roundabout, where it will resume its normal route.

The number 12 bus service towards Bristol Parkway railway station will not be diverted and will follow its normal route. However, the southbound Kingsway roundabout bus stop will be suspended and passengers should use the northbound Kingsway roundabout stop (next to the shops) for services in both directions.

iPoints and CCTV

The metrobus iPoints and the CCTV will not be installed at the bus stops until just before the new metrobus service begins in 2023.

We will write to those living next to bus stops nearer the time to explain how the CCTV will operate. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the CCTV, please email CommunitySafetyTeam@southglos.gov.uk.

Further information

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to you by the roadworks.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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San Andreas roundabout update - 4th February 2021

We are writing to update you on work taking place at the San Andreas roundabout, Cribbs Causeway, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

San Andreas roundabout

To allow this, a number of changes are taking place at the roundabout. A short section of new road is being built to link the roundabout and the CPNN. The link road will be restricted to metrobuses, other local buses, emergency vehicles, taxis, motorcycles and cyclists, subject to consultation through a Traffic Regulation Order process at a later date. There will also be shared use paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

Other changes at the roundabout include:

A new junction on the San Andreas roundabout to accommodate the new road
The roundabout will change shape to accommodate the new junction
The roundabout will become signalised
New toucan and pedestrian crossings

The majority of this work is almost complete, with all construction work at San Andreas roundabout scheduled to finish in March. Further landscaping work will take place later in the year.

Overnight closures

A final phase of work to complete at the San Andreas roundabout is resurfacing and road markings.

To enable this work the San Andreas roundabout, and its four approaches, will be closed to all traffic overnight, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday 22 February for approximately three weeks. The work will be carried out Monday to Friday only. The roundabout will remain open during the day and at weekends.

Signed diversion routes will be in operation. Further information is available on our website.

The work is highly weather dependent and dates are subject to change. We will continue to update the community. We apologise for any disruption caused by this work.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 19th January 2021

We are writing to update you on de-vegetation work due to take place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

We also want to take this opportunity to update you on the project's landscaping aspirations. The project has already funded the planting of more than 50 new trees within Stoke Gifford and is committed to planting as many new trees and shrubs as possible along Gipsy Patch Lane post-construction.

CPME

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike.

The scheme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

De-vegetation work

Road widening is needed on Gipsy Patch Lane to enable the creation of a new bus lane, as part of the CPME. To make way for the construction of the bus lane a number of trees and hedgerows need to be removed along the road.

We need to remove 20 trees from the south side of Gipsy Patch Lane, to the east of the railway bridge (the residential side). Shrubs and hedgerows will also need to be removed from the south side. No trees or vegetation are being removed from the north side.

A number of trees will also be removed from Gipsy Patch Lane to the west of the railway bridge at the Network Rail railway bridge compound site to enable construction to start on the new metrobus stop.

The tree removal and de-vegetation work is due to start in the week commencing Monday 25 January and will last until approximately Friday 5 February. These dates could be subject to change.

To enable the de-vegetation work to be carried out safely there will be temporary traffic lights in operation. These will be in use during off-peak times only. It may also be necessary to stop traffic during some of the work to create additional space so crews can operate safely. There may also need to be signed diversions for pedestrians during the work.

Please note, that currently there are ongoing ground investigations being carried out along the verge of Gipsy Patch Lane, which involve digging trial trenches.

Landscaping and replanting

The CPME project has made a commitment to plant as many new trees and shrubs as possible to mitigate for these losses and the project team have been working on landscaping proposals for Gipsy Patch Lane for when construction work is complete.

Last year, as part of our planning for the landscaping work, we dug a number of trial trenches along the verge of Gipsy Patch Lane east of the railway bridge. One of the things that affects where planting can occur is the location of underground utilities. Although we have plans that show where utilities should be located, it is only when ground is dug that we can be sure of where they are.

The information gathered from the trial trenches has helped inform draft landscaping proposals for Gipsy Patch Lane on the east side of the railway bridge. These plans include proposals to plant 24 new trees along Gipsy Patch Lane – 20 on the south side and 4 on the north side.

The tree planting proposals include:

19 new Lime trees
2 Mountain Ash
3 native English Oaks in the new hedge line, to replace a mature Ash removed in September 2020, due to Ash die back.

The draft landscaping plan, which is available to view on our project website, shows the confidence levels for each proposed tree based on our investigations undertaken up to October 2020.

The draft plan also shows where we propose to plant native hedges and ornamental shrubs, as well as areas for spring flowering bulbs and herbaceous planting.

Due to the high number of underground utilities, continuing investigations are required and further trial trenches will be dug following de-vegetation to verify assumptions. The planting plans may need to be adjusted during the construction phase to take account of any unforeseen issues, which could impact on the numbers and locations of new trees and plants that can be planted.

We are currently in the process of developing our landscaping proposals for Gipsy Patch Lane on the west side of the bridge. We will share these with the community when they are available.

In addition to the landscaping plans for Gipsy Patch Lane, the CPME project has already provided funding for 53 trees of various species to be planted at Winterbourne Road and Orpheus Avenue. The trees were planted in 2020.

Further information

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 15th December 2020

Gipsy Patch Lane railway follow-up works

Last month we wrote to you with an update on the work taking place at the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

In this email we mentioned the need for follow-up work on the railway. Following the bridge move, the line was reopened to trains, but with a temporary speed limit in place. This is standard practice following a closure and track work.

To enable the speed to be increased fully, follow-up work known as tamping is required. In order to ensure the safety of passengers, this work needs to be carried out within four to six weeks of a track installation. Network Rail therefore need to take advantage of the Christmas period to do this work, while train services aren't running, unfortunately it is the only opportunity to complete this work. Network Rail has now confirmed when this work will take place.

Follow-up tamping shifts will take place:

00:30 to 07:55 on Friday 25 December
22:00 on Friday 25 December to 06:00 on Saturday 26 December
22:00 on Saturday 26 December to 06:00 on Sunday 27 December

However, please note these dates may be subject to change and we will keep the community updated.

During this work tamper trains lift and pack the stone under the tracks which can be a noisy process so noise barrier fencing will be installed for the duration of the works.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work. Any questions or issues can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Gipsy Patch Lane road lowering work

Now the new railway bridge has been moved into place Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths have started works on the carriageway beneath the bridge. This work is to make way for the new bus lanes and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways.

There are national design standards that must be complied with whenever a new bridge is built, which stipulate how much headroom is required under a new bridge. It is not possible to raise the bridge because of the railway line, so in order to comply with the standards for a new bridge, the only option is to lower the road.

Gipsy Patch Lane will remain closed to traffic until July 2021, while this work is completed.

Work will include:

Demolition and excavation of the existing carriageway underneath the bridge
Re-grading the junction with Station Road to tie-in with the new carriageway level
Utility diversions underneath the new cycle and pedestrian pathways
Installation of new surface water drainage system, including pumping station
Installation of new street lighting
Construction of new carriageway and pathways
New traffic signs, road markings and landscaping/planting

This work will be carried out during the daytime, between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Network Rail, and its contractor, will work to minimise any disruption caused.

The Network Rail compound will be closed over the Christmas period, between Saturday 19 December 2020 and Sunday 3 January 2021. Work will restart onsite on Monday 4 January.

Pedestrian access

A footpath, for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists only, has been reopened under the new railway bridge. The footpath is narrow and pedestrians are advised to take extra care should they need to use it. Anyone using the footpath should observe social distancing.

The free shuttle bus service that had been operating for pedestrians is no longer available now that a footpath has been reopened.

Cyclists are reminded that they must dismount and push their bikes through should they choose to use this footpath. Alternative cycling diversions are available.

CPME Project

The CPME is a £57 million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system and a realistic alternative to travelling by car. CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group or visit our webpage. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage. If you have any questions, please email the project team.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 27th November 2020

I am writing to update you on the next phase of work taking place at the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement

The new 4,260 tonne railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is now fully installed and the main rail line reopened. This has been a significant engineering project and the bridge move was the heaviest lift of its kind to have been undertaken in the UK.

During the recent rail line closure, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths, worked round the clock to remove the track and overhead line equipment, demolish the former bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, move the new bridge into position and reinstall the track and overhead line equipment.

Unfortunately, due to a significant engineering problem experienced during the bridge move, this work took longer than expected and the closure of the rail line had to be extended. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued patience during this phase of work.

More information about the bridge replacement work is available on the project website, please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Gipsy Patch Lane road lowering

Now the new bridge is in position Gipsy Patch Lane will need to remain closed to all road users to enable further works on the carriageway beneath the bridge. This work is to make way for the new bus lanes and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways.

Gipsy Patch Lane will remain closed until July 2021, while this work is completed.

Work will include:

Demolition and excavation of the existing carriageway underneath the bridge
Re-grading the junction with Station Road to tie-in with the new carriageway level
Utility diversions underneath the new cycle and pedestrian pathways
Installation of new surface water drainage system, including pumping station
Installation of new street lighting
Construction of new carriageway and pathways
New traffic signs, road markings and landscaping/planting

This work will be carried out during the daytime, between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Network Rail, and its contractor, will work to minimise any disruption caused.

Any questions or issues about the work can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

We understand there continues to be great local interest in the CPME project but everyone should observe social distancing and follow current local and national guidelines.Therefore, we would kindly ask that you do not visit the construction site, including the railway bridge area, on Gipsy Patch Lane to watch work taking place or interact with the workforce.

Updates on the project and the work taking place will continue to be shared via the project's Facebook page www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and via Twitter www.twitter.com/sgloscouncil.

Gipsy Patch Lane closure

While Gipsy Patch Lane is closed to traffic the signed diversion route for motorists will remain via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38.

Follow-up work

The rail line has been reopened but with a temporary speed limit in place. This is standard practice and, as planned, follow-up work known as tamping will be required. During these shifts tamper trains lift and pack the stone under the tracks which can be a noisy process. This work is likely to take place overnight and we will provide more information when dates have been confirmed.

Pedestrian access and shuttle bus service

The footpath under the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane also remains closed at this time. Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be working towards re-opening a route for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. We will update the wider community when this is available.

Network Rail are continuing to run a shuttle bus service for pedestrians needing to access either side of the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge.This service is free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

The shuttle bus is running weekdays, weekends and is also available overnight. See the project website for full timetable details.

The daytime shuttle bus service is being operated by Stagecoach and the overnight service is being operated by South West Minibuses. Measures are in place to comply with Covid-19 guidance. Please remember, the wearing of face coverings on public transport is compulsory.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available during the closure. Details of these can also be found on the project website.

Station Road junction closure

The Station Road junction with Gipsy Patch Lane remains closed to vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists are still able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane.

The Station Road junction closure is needed to enable Gipsy Patch Lane to be excavated down to the required new carriageway level, for new utilities and new drainage infrastructure to be installed, and for the Station Road junction to be excavated down to tie-in with Gipsy Patch Lane.

The diversion route for vehicles to reach Station Road will remain via Clay Lane and Little Stoke Lane. Please be aware that access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road is restricted by a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

CPME Project

Further information and future updates

Dates and timeframes may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

For further updates follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpmeand keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor

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Gipsy Patch Lane update - 23rd November 2020

We are emailing to let you know that the new 4,260 tonne railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is now fully installed and the main rail line reopened.

This has been a significant engineering project and the bridge move was the heaviest lift of its kind to have been undertaken in the UK.

Gipsy Patch Lane road lowering

We will write to you again shortly with more detail about this work.

Gipsy Patch Lane closure

Gipsy Patch Lane will remain closed until July 2021, while the road lowering work is completed.

While Gipsy Patch Lane is closed to traffic the signed diversion route for motorists will remain via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38. A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available. More information on these can be found on our project website www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Further information and future updates

Any questions or issues about the work can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Enquiries may also be sent to this email address.

Please note, this email account is only monitored during office hours Monday to Friday. Emails sent overnight, at weekends or on bank holidays will not be picked up until the next working day. Therefore, if your enquiry is urgent please use the Network Rail 24-hour helpline.

For further updates follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Kind regards

The CPME Project team

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Bridge replacement update - 16th November 2020

This is to provide a further update on the bridge replacement works currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

The new 4,260 tonne railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane is now in its final position, completing the heaviest lift of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.

Network Rail, and its contractor Alun Griffiths, will now continue with the next phase of work, which is to rebuild the embankment, reinstate the rail line and reinstall the overhead wires and supporting infrastructure.

The remainder of the work will be noisy and will be carried out round the clock so it is completed as quickly as possible. A number of noise mitigation measures such as acoustic barriers are in place but we apologise for any disruption that may be caused.

Due to an engineering problem experienced during the bridge move, the closure of the rail line has been extended until Monday 23 November. This date could be subject to change and we will keep the community updated.

Train services

Rail passengers are reminded that rail replacement services, specifically between Bristol and Newport, remain in place until at least Monday 23 November. If you are planning to travel by train during this time please check carefully before doing so. For further details, please visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/Bristol.

Patchway Station

Parking suspensions remain in place at Patchway Station and on Clay Lane during this time to enable the safe operation of the rail replacement buses. If you need to travel, customers are advised to park at Bristol Parkway instead.

Pedestrian access and shuttle bus service

There remains no access for pedestrians or cyclists through the bridge area on Gipsy Patch Lane.

Network Rail has reinstated a shuttle bus service for pedestrians needing to access either side of the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge. This service is free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

The shuttle bus is running weekdays, weekends and is also available overnight. See the project website for full timetable details, please visit southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available. Details of these can also be found on the project website.

Further information and future updates

We will continue to update the community and our stakeholders on the work as it progresses

Anyone with questions concerning the bridge replacement work should call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline 03457 11 41 41.

Enquiries may also be sent to this email address.

We will also share updates via the project's website southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus, on our Facebook page facebook.com/sgloscpme, and via Twitter twitter.com/sgloscouncil.

Kind regards

The CPME Project Team

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Bridge replacement work update - 12th November 2020

We are writing to you to provide information on the bridge replacement works currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Work to complete the bridge replacement is continuing.

This is a highly complex engineering project. Weighing 4,260-tonnes, the new bridge was the heaviest lift of its kind ever undertaken in the UK and was not without risk.

The new bridge, which was built on site, was being moved into position using specialist hydraulic transporters which managed to successfully move it two thirds of the way into position before Network Rail, and its contractor Alun Griffiths, encountered a significant problem. The bridge is approximately 40 metres from its final position.

A separate team within Network Rail are investigating why the detailed plan did not work, in the meantime, the focus is on completing the work as quickly and as safely as possible.

Last week Network Rail and Alun Griffiths established a comprehensive plan to move the bridge into place and reinstate the railway, and they have been working on this since then. This plan involves several contingency options to help manage the significant complexity and risks involved.

Work is now focussed on moving the bridge temporarily off the hydraulic transporters it is sitting on, to reinforce the roadway and then enable the transporters to move the bridge successfully into place. Given the high risk and complex nature of the operation, Network Rail and Alun Griffiths have brought on board additional resources and specialists to assist them.

We apologise for any inconvenience being caused by these ongoing works and we thank the local community for their patience.

Train services

The rail line between Bristol and Newport remains closed at this time; the current diversionary routes between London, Bristol and Wales, and the rail replacement service specifically between Bristol and Newport will remain in place until at least Monday 23 November, however, this date could be subject to further change.

If you are planning to travel please check carefully before doing so. For further details, please visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/Bristol.

Patchway Station

Pedestrian access and shuttle bus service

There remains no access for pedestrians or cyclists through the bridge area on Gipsy Patch Lane.

The shuttle bus is running weekdays, weekends and is also available overnight. See the project website for full timetable details, please visit southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available. Details of these can also be found on the project website.

Further information and future updates

We will continue to update the community and our stakeholders on the work as it progresses. A further update will be issued on Monday 16 November.

Anyone with questions concerning the bridge replacement work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane should call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline 03457 11 41 41.

Enquiries may also be sent to this email address. Please note, this email account is only monitored during office hours Monday to Friday. Emails sent overnight, at weekends or on bank holidays will not be picked up until the next working day. Therefore, if your enquiry is urgent please use the Network Rail 24-hour helpline.

We will also share updates via the project's website southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus, on our Facebook page facebook.com/sgloscpme, and via Twitter twitter.com/sgloscouncil.

Kind regards

The CPME Project Team

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Bridge replacement work update - 6th November 2020

We are writing to you to provide information on the bridge replacement works currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Despite detailed planning and preparation, our contractor, Network Rail, has encountered a significant issue moving the new 4,260-tonne Gipsy Patch Lane bridge into place.

The bridge, which is already built, is being moved into position on a number of independent hydraulic transporters. Having successfully moved two thirds of the way into place the bridge transporters are now stuck.

It is too early to say why the wheels have become stuck. This is a highly complex engineering project and is the heaviest lift of its kind ever undertaken in the UK, supported by detailed designs, modelling and preparatory work by Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths. Understanding why this hasn't worked will take time, and we are already working on that in parallel to our prime focus which is to get the work underway to move the bridge, free up the automated platform it is sitting on, and undertake the work required to get the bridge in place, and resume rail services.

Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths are continuing to work around the clock to resolve the issue and currently undertaking detailed work on site so that the bridge can be moved into position. We will continue to update the community and our stakeholders on the work as it progresses.

We apologise for any inconvenience being caused by these ongoing works on Gipsy Patch Lane and we thank you for your patience.

Any questions or issues you may have can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

We understand there is a great local interest in the project but everyone should observe social distancing and follow current national guidelines.Therefore, we would kindly ask that you do not visit the construction site, including the railway bridge area, on Gipsy Patch Lane to watch work taking place or interact with the workforce.

We will continue to share updates via the project's website southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus, on our Facebook page facebook.com/sgloscpme, and via Twitter twitter.com/sgloscouncil.

Train services

Until this part of the main line is able to reopen, Network Rail will continue working with train operators to get those passengers who still need to travel by train to where they need to go, either on diverted services, or via the rail replacement buses operating between Bristol and Newport.

Further updates will follow from the train operators as soon as they are available. If you are planning to travel please check carefully before doing so. For further details, please visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/Bristol.

Patchway Station

Pedestrian access and shuttle bus service

There remains no access for pedestrians or cyclists through the bridge area on Gipsy Patch Lane.

The shuttle bus is running weekdays, weekends and is also available overnight. See the project website for full timetable details, please visit southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available. Details of these can also be found on the project website.

Further information and future updates

Anyone with questions concerning the bridge replacement work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane should call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline 03457 11 41 41.

Enquiries may also be sent to this email address (CPMetrobus@southglos.gov.uk). Please note, this email account is only monitored during office hours Monday to Friday. Emails sent overnight, at weekends or on bank holidays will not be picked up until the next working day. Therefore, if your enquiry is urgent please use the Network Rail 24-hour helpline.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update from Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension Project Team - 2nd November 2020

Despite detailed planning and preparation, our contractor, Network Rail has encountered a significant issue moving the new 4,260-tonne Gipsy Patch Lane bridge into place. The bridge, which is already built, is being moved into position on a number of independent hydraulic transporters. Having successfully moved two thirds of the way into place the bridge transporters are now stuck. Our focus, alongside Network Rail, is on resolving the issue so that the bridge can be moved into position. This is likely to take a number of days and will delay the re-opening of the mainline. Rail services are still operating via alternative routes and rail replacement services.

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Outline Site Works Programme Oct 20 > Dec 20

The following presentation describes the outline site works programme from October to December.

Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation >>

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Network Rail - South Gloucestershire railway work update - October 2020

This newsletter aims to update you on railway work taking place in the South Gloucestershire area this autumn.

Click here to download the October newsletter in PDF format >>

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement work - 17th September 2020

I am emailing to update you on the railway bridge replacement work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

The CPME is a £57million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system and a realistic alternative to travelling by car. CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

As part of CPME, Network Rail and their contractor Alun Griffiths are working on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council to deliver a new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane. The wider bridge will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes.

The bridge move on Gipsy Patch Lane was due to take place over the Easter period but because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and government guidance concerning social distancing Network Rail had no option but to postpone the work along with a number of other schemes across the wider rail network.

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement

The bridge replacement work will now take place from late evening on Saturday 24 October to the early hours of Saturday 7 November. During this time Network Rail, and its contractor Alun Griffiths, will be working continuously, night and day, to remove the track and overhead line equipment, demolish the existing bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, move the new bridge into position and reinstall the track and overhead line equipment.

The planned work will involve the use of heavy machinery and noisy activities, such as excavation and further piling. The work will take place around the clock to allow as much work to be completed in the shortest possible time. Network Rail will work to minimise the disturbance and will put in place a number of noise mitigation measures such as acoustic barriers. All deliveries and construction equipment needing access during the work will enter via the A38 and the construction site on the west (non-residential) side of the bridge. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by this work.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Network Rail is regularly reviewing its contingency plans to mitigate as much risk as possible from Coronavirus. However, the project team will be guided by any future government advice or directives and in the lead up to and during the works the situation on local lockdowns will be monitored.

The works will be carried out in compliance with the latest government guidelines for the construction industry. At present they include following social distancing, where tasks are not able to be undertaken with social distancing appropriate PPE will be provided. Network Rail and Alun Griffiths have arranged additional welfare and extra cleaning provisions and there will be dedicated marshals on site at all times who will ensure controls and standards of cleanliness are maintained. Temperature checks of all personnel will also be taken on arrival to site.

We understand there is a great local interest in the CPME project but everyone should continue to practice social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus. People must follow government instructions on social distancing, which currently say people should not gather in groups of more than 6 people. Therefore, we would kindly ask that you do not visit the construction site, including the railway bridge area, on Gipsy Patch Lane to watch work taking place or interact with the workforce. Any questions or issues you may have can be raised via the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Train services

The bridge move will involve the closure of the railway line between Bristol Parkway and Newport from Sunday 25 October to Friday 6 November (inclusive). During this time train services in the area will be altered and buses will replace some trains. If you are planning to travel please check carefully before doing so.

For further details, please visit nationalrail.co.uk or GWR.com/Bristol.

Patchway Station

Between Sunday 25 October and Friday 6 November (inclusive) no trains will call at Patchway Station. However, rail replacement buses will run between Bristol Parkway, Patchway, Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport.

Parking suspensions will be in place at Patchway Station during this time to enable the rail replacement buses to turn. If you need to travel, customers are advised to park at Bristol Parkway instead. Additional parking enforcement patrols will be carried out in the Station Road area.

Gipsy Patch Lane closure

Once the new bridge has been moved into place and the railway line has been reopened Gipsy Patch Lane will remain closed to all road users to enable further works on the carriageway. The road closure is expected to last until July 2021.

This work will include:

Demolition and excavation of the existing carriageway underneath the bridge
Re-grading the junction with Station Road to tie-in with the new carriageway level
Utility diversions underneath the new cycle and pedestrian pathways
Installation of new surface water drainage system, including pumping station
Installation of new street lighting
Construction of new carriageway and pathways
New traffic signs, road markings and landscaping/planting

The signed diversion route for motorists will remain via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38. A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available. More information on these can be found on our project website www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Pedestrian access and shuttle bus service

The footpath under the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, which has provided access to pedestrians and cyclists over the summer, will close on the morning of Monday 28 September. The closure is in preparation of the bridge replacement works.

When the footpath closes Network Rail will reinstate the shuttle bus service for pedestrians needing to access either side of the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge. This service will be free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

The shuttle bus will start operation on Monday 28 September and will run weekdays, weekends and will also be available overnight. See the project website for full timetable details.

The shuttle bus service will be operated by Stagecoach who are paying special attention to the items passengers come into contact with - handrails, bells, seats and poles - to make sure they are regularly and thoroughly cleaned. Please remember, the wearing of face coverings on public transport is compulsory.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes are also available during the closure. Details of these can also be found on the project website.

Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be working towards re-opening a route for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. We will update the wider community when this is available.

Station Road junction closure

The Station Road junction with Gipsy Patch Lane will also remain closed to vehicles after the railway line reopens. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane.

The Station Road junction closure will enable Gipsy Patch Lane to be excavated down to the required new carriageway level, for new utilities and new drainage infrastructure to be installed and for the Station Road junction to be excavated down to tie-in with Gipsy Patch Lane.

Further information and future updates

Dates and timeframes may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

For further updates follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions on the work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Whilst we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this work, we apologise for the inconvenience this work may cause.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 3rd September 2020

We are writing to update you on some of the work due to take place on Gipsy Patch Lane, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Landscaping

The CPME project team is currently working on landscaping proposals for Gipsy Patch Lane for when construction work is complete.

Road widening is needed on Gipsy Patch Lane to enable the creation of a new bus lane. To make way for the construction of the bus lane the row of 20 existing lime trees on the south side of Gipsy Patch Lane needs to be removed. The timescale for removing the trees has not yet been confirmed but will be no earlier than autumn 2020. None are planned to be removed from the north side.

The project has made a commitment to plant as many new trees and shrubs as possible to mitigate for these losses and as part of our planning for the landscaping work we need to dig a number of trial trenches along the verge.

Trial trenches

One of the things that affects where planting can occur is the location of underground utilities. Although we have plans that show where utilities should be located, it is only when ground is dug that we can be sure of where they are. To assist us plan the planting we are going to dig 18 trial trenches along Gipsy Patch Lane to help us confirm where the utilities are. This in turn will help us understand where new trees may be planted and to ensure there is no conflict between utility pipes and cables and tree roots.

Work will start on the trial trenches from Monday 14 September and will last approximately 4 weeks. These timescales could be subject to change.

The work may involve the use of mini excavators. No trees will need to be removed for the trench work. We will refill the trenches once the investigations are complete, however, the nature of the work means that areas of grass will be damaged.

We do not anticipate that any traffic management will be required, however, there may need to be signed diversions for pedestrian and cyclist routes when some of the trenches are dug.

CPME

The CPME is a £57million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Further information

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme or visit our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Hatchet Road - 26th August 2020

This update is to inform you of work due to start on Hatchet Road, Stoke Gifford, as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

CPME

The CPME is a £57million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

CPME will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Hatchet Road bus stops

As part of CPME two bus stops along Hatchet Road will be upgraded to metrobus stops. The bus stops affected will be the north-bound stop near the Sandringham Road/ Ratcliffe Drive roundabout and the south-bound stop outside the former Co-op store.

The upgrades will include extending the bus stop platforms, new paving, replacing the existing shelters with new metrobus shelters and the installation of metrobus iPoints and CCTV to monitor the stops. iPoints provide travel information and allow passengers to purchase tickets before they board and plan journeys.

The new bus stops will be served by existing local bus services.

Work will begin on the upgrades on Monday 14 September and will last approximately 3 months. These dates may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

The initial phase of work will involve extending the bus stop platforms, laying the new paving and installing the electrical connections needed for the iPoints and CCTV.

Traffic management

To enable the work to take place two-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation on Hatchet Road from Monday 14 September, for approximately 3 months. The temporary lights will initially be used during off-peak periods only. However, we will continue to monitor traffic levels in the area and if traffic levels remain low their use may be extended to peak times.

During the works, the two bus stops affected will be out of service and bus passengers will be directed to use alternative stops just a short walk along Hatchet Road.

The alternative bus stops will be:

For north-bound journeys passengers should use the bus stop on the opposite side of the road to the former Co-op store.
For south-bound journeys passengers should use the bus stop near the Sandringham Road/ Ratcliffe Drive roundabout junction.

Alternative bus stops are also available further along Hatchet Road near to the Winterbourne Road/Gipsy Patch Lane roundabout.

iPoints and CCTV

The metrobus iPoints and the CCTV will not be installed at the Hatchet Road bus stops until just before the new metrobus service begins in 2023.

We will write to those living next to bus stops nearer the time to explain how the CCTV will operate. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the CCTV, please email CommunitySafetyTeam@southglos.gov.uk.

Further information

For updates on the CPME project please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus where any updates will be posted. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to you by the roadworks.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 29th July 2020

We are writing to update you on the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

The CPME is a £57million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system. It will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

The scheme will also deliver improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, making it easier and safer to travel by foot or by bike.

CPME is funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund.

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement

We recently wrote to you with an update on the bridge replacement work on Gipsy Patch Lane, which is part of the CPME.

The bridge move was due to take place over the Easter period but because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and government guidance concerning social distancing Network Rail postponed the work along with a number of other schemes across the wider rail network.

Since this time Network Rail has continued to work hard behind the scenes with its stakeholders, contractor and supply chain to identify a new date when the railway bridge can be manoeuvred into position.

The bridge move on Gipsy Patch Lane will now take place between Saturday 24 October and the early hours of Saturday 7 November 2020 and will take approximately 13 days to complete.

Gipsy Patch Lane and the junction with Station Road need to remain closed until after the bridge move is complete and the road beneath the bridge has been lowered. The road and junction are expected to remain closed to vehicles until approximately July 2021.

More information on this element of the project can be found on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

We explained at the time that the new dates for the bridge move and the Gipsy Patch Lane road closure would have implications for the wider CPME project and we are now able to share with you a new construction timetable for the other phases of the project.

Wider CPME programme

Below is an approximate timeline for the remaining phases of the CPME project:

San Andreas roundabout – January 2020 to March 2021
Hatchet Road bus stops work – August to December 2020
Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement – October/November 2020
Gipsy Patch Lane road lowering works at bridge – November 2020 to July 2021
Gipsy Patch Lane road widening construction works (west of bridge) – August 2021 to April 2022
Gipsy Patch Lane road widening construction works (east of bridge) – October 2021 to December 2022
Construction complete – Early 2023

These dates may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

We will share more information on these phases closer to the work taking place. This will include details of the traffic management measures needed.

Highway improvement work

South Gloucestershire Council is investing £174million over four years to reduce congestion and emissions, improve cycling and pedestrian routes, facilitate faster bus journeys and future proof our road network.

Highway improvement schemes are planned across the district and the aim of this ambitious programme of work is to get our road network ready for major new housing and business developments in the area, as well as making sustainable travel options a more attractive choice so that we can keep people moving now and in years to come.

Further information

For updates on the CPME project please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus where any updates will be posted. We would also encourage you to sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions on the construction work currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41. If you have questions regarding the wider CPME project please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused to you by the ongoing work.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane footpath cycling advice - 7th July 2020

Cyclists using the reopened footpath under the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, are reminded that they must dismount and push their bikes through.

Following feedback from members of the public staggered barriers and additional signs have been put up to encourage cyclists to dismount and to deter them from cycling through.

The footpath is narrow and anyone using it is advised to take extra care and observe social distancing. This may require giving way on particularly narrow sections of the footpath.

There are a number of alternative diversion routes available for cyclists needing to travel either side of the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane. The shortest of these routes is via Little Stoke Park and the new A38 to Patchway link, which has been designed and built to provide an improved pedestrian and cycle route linking the A38 to Station Road / Little Stoke Park. This is labelled Diversion Route 3 on the accompanying map.

The cycling diversion options include:

Diversion route option 1 – Filton Avenue
This route utilises the A38 and Filton Avenue and is especially suitable for cyclists who use the A4174 Ring Route cycle path.

Diversion route option 2 – Little Stoke Lane
This route utilises Little Stoke Lane and the A38 and is predominantly on road.

Diversion route option 3 – Little Stoke Park
Little Stoke Park can be accessed from Gipsy Patch Lane and contains shared use paths leading to a footbridge to the north of Patchway Station. A Public Right of Way can then be followed to the west of the railway to the A38.

Diversion route option 4 – For Patchway Train Station
This route is for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to access Patchway Train Station and businesses along Station Road.

Gipsy Patch Lane and the junction with Station Road remain closed to all vehicles, including motorbikes. It is not possible to reopen the road fully to all road users because of the extent of work that has already been completed in preparation of the bridge replacement. The road closure also needs to remain in place whilst Network Rail and Alun Griffiths continue with preparatory and highways work.

All motorists needing access along Gipsy Patch Lane must continue to use the signed diversion route via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38. An alternative unsigned route is also available via the A4174 and the A38. Motorists should avoid using local residential roads.

For more information on the diversion routes and the wider CPME project, please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

Map showing cycling and pedestrian diversion routes

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 24th June 2020

Gipsy Patch Lane bridge replacement

The bridge move on Gipsy Patch Lane was due to take place over the Easter period but because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and government guidance concerning social distancing Network Rail postponed the work along with a number of other schemes across the wider rail network.

Since this time Network Rail has continued to work hard behind the scenes with its stakeholders, contractor and supply chain to identify a new date when the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge can be manoeuvred into position.

The bridge move on Gipsy Patch Lane will now take place between Saturday 24 October and the early hours of Saturday 7 November 2020 and will take approximately 13 days to complete.

The 13 days take into consideration the extra time needed to carry out work whilst observing the current government guidelines on Coronavirus and social distancing. Network Rail are also hoping to be able to complete some of the tasks on the railway that previously would have been carried out in separate follow up shifts.

To enable the bridge replacement, which is a significant piece of engineering work, the rail line must be closed to trains for a number of days and arranging this has been a complex process that needed to take into account a range of factors, including:

The latest Coronavirus government guidance.
The availability of a wide range of critical equipment, machinery and people, including the self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) units that will pick up and move the new bridge into position.
Securing local accommodation for the 150 specialist railway engineering staff that will be working on the bridge replacement.
Co-ordination with other railway projects requiring rail line closures elsewhere on the national rail network.
Consultation with Train Operating Companies and Freight Operating Companies because a closure impacts on train services, passengers and freight movements.

Ongoing work

Network Rail, and its contractors Alun Griffiths, remain on site at Gipsy Patch Lane undertaking as much work as they can prior to the bridge move whilst complying with government guidelines. Network Rail are also investigating whether some work that was not due to be carried out until after the new bridge is in place can be completed sooner.

Gipsy Patch Lane and Station Road junction

This new timeframe takes into consideration the extra time needed to carry out work whilst observing the current government guidelines on Coronavirus and social distancing.

It is not possible to reopen the road fully to all road users prior to the bridge move because of the extent of work that has already been completed. The road closure also needs to remain in place whilst Network Rail and Alun Griffiths continue with preparatory and highways work, such as the creation of the SPMT roadway.

Pedestrian access

A footpath, suitable for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists only, has been reopened under the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane and will remain open until further notice. The footpath is narrow and pedestrians are advised to take extra care should they need to use it.

However, the footpath will need to close when the bridge move takes place in the autumn. When this happens the free shuttle bus service will be reinstated for those pedestrians needing to make essential journeys either side of Gipsy Patch Lane. We will provide advance notice to the community when the footpath needs to close.

Wider CPME project

The CPME is a £57million investment to reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users in your area by providing a new quick, reliable public transport system.

The council remains committed to this important transport project which will provide a direct route between Bristol Parkway railway station, Stoke Gifford, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, The Mall shopping centre and will link with the wider metrobus network.

The new dates for the bridge move and the road closure will have implications for the wider CPME project. We are currently looking at the project's programme and we will update the community when we have more information.

Further information and future updates

We will write to you again closer to the bridge replacement to provide more information about the work that will take place.

The dates and timeframes in this letter may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date.

For updates on the project please like and follow our Facebook group www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and keep an eye on our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus where any updates will be posted. We would also encourage you sign up to our newsletter, which you can do by visiting our webpage.

If you have any questions on the construction work currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

We apologise for any ongoing disruption and thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 9th June 2020

Timetable of works

Network Rail is continuing to work hard behind the scenes with its stakeholders, contractor and supply chain to identify a date when the new Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge can be manoeuvred into position.

To enable the bridge replacement, which is a significant piece of engineering work, the rail line must be closed to trains for a number of days. Arranging this is a complex process that needs to take into account a range of factors, including:

The latest COVID-19 government guidance, and how this is incorporated into existing safety guidance for working on the railway, and with heavy machinery.
The Project Team needs to plan this as a 24/7 activity over the period of closure of the railway; taking account of preparatory works and ensuring staff are well rested in advance of and during the works so that they do not suffer from fatigue.
A wide range of critical equipment, machinery and people needs to be available to undertake the work and most of this is from a limited national and international resource pool which is in constant demand. This includes the self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) units that will pick up and move the new bridge into position, cranes, overhead line and signal testers and other very specialist skill sets. Network Rail is working closely with their supply chain and needs to be sure that all of the equipment, machinery and people needed is available so that it can be booked.
Around 150 specialist railway engineering staff will be working on the bridge replacement. Engagement with the companies supplying these staff needs to take place to ensure they are available later in the year without adversely impacting other infrastructure projects. Many of these staff will also be travelling from other parts of the country, therefore local accommodation needs to be available and booked for them to stay.
Co-ordination with other railway projects requiring rail line closures elsewhere on the national rail network as some sections of the rail line cannot be closed at the same time.
Train Operating Companies and Freight Operating Companies need to be consulted in agreeing the date because a closure impacts on train services, passengers and freight movements. The operators have to make alternative arrangements such as diversions or bus rail replacement services.

We will publicise the date for the installation of the new bridge when it is confirmed. For now we would like to assure our communities that we are working with Network Rail to minimise the time that Gipsy Patch Lane is closed for. Network Rail and its contractor are undertaking as much work as they can prior to the bridge move and are investigating whether some work that was not due to be carried out until after the new bridge is in place can be re-sequenced to provide benefit to the later stages of the works.

Operational Activity Update

Please see the Alun Griffiths PowerPoint presentation for detail on work taking place.

Other project updates

San Andreas roundabout

Work has been progressing well at the San Andreas roundabout whilst taking into account government advice on social distancing in construction operations.

As part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) a number of changes are taking place at the roundabout, which is near to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

A short section of new road will be built to link the roundabout and the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood (CPNN) on the former Filton Airfield. The link road will be restricted to metrobuses, other local buses, emergency vehicles, taxis, motorcycles and cyclists. There will also be shared use paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

Other changes will include:

A new junction on the San Andreas roundabout to accommodate the new road
The roundabout will change shape to accommodate the new junction
The roundabout will become signalised
New toucan and pedestrian crossings

Over the last two months our roadworks team have been able to install some of the new infrastructure for the signalisation and pedestrian crossings. This has included the installation of dropped kerbs, pedestrian guard rails, tactile paving for people with visual impairment and the resurfacing of footpaths. So far this work has been completed on the Mall entrance arm and Highwood Road arm of the roundabout.

Work is set to continue on the other two arms of the roundabout at San Andreas. Work on the new link road and junction will begin later in the summer.

Please see the Alun Griffiths PowerPoint presentation for photographs of the work completed so far at San Andreas.

AOB

Please forward any project related questions to the project email address cpmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk and the project team will reply as soon as practicably possible.

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 9th April 2020

A narrow footpath, suitable for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists only, has been reopened under the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane as of today (Thursday 9 April). The footpath is narrow and pedestrians are advised to take extra care should they need to use it. The footpath under the bridge will remain open until further notice and we will continue to keep the community updated.

A free shuttle bus service that had been operating for pedestrians has now stopped.

Gipsy Patch Lane and the junction with Station Road will remain closed to vehicles. It is not possible to reopen the road fully to all road users because of the extent of work that has already been completed in preparation of the bridge replacement. The road closure also needs to remain in place whilst Network Rail and Alun Griffiths continue with preparatory and highways work.

The bridge move on Gipsy Patch Lane was due to take place over the Easter period but because of Coronavirus and government guidance concerning social distancing the move has been postponed.

Network Rail is now working with its stakeholders to try to identify an opportunity later in the year when it can take place. However, the project team will be guided by any future government advice or directives.

Network Rail, and its contractors Alun Griffiths, will remain on site at Gipsy Patch Lane completing work that they are able to do whilst complying with government guidelines.

Everyone should be practising social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus. People must follow government instructions to stay at home and to stay at least two metres away from other people when outside. Therefore, we ask that you do not visit the construction site, including the railway bridge area on Gipsy Patch Lane for any reason and do not use the reopened footpath unless your journey is absolutely essential. If you do use the footpath please observe social distancing.

Further information about the work taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane and the wider Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) can be found on our webpage, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

Kind regards
The CPME Project Team

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane - 3rd April 2020

With the Coronavirus situation evolving at a rapid pace, Network Rail has been regularly reviewing its contingency plans to mitigate as much risk as possible. However, following further announcements by the government and guidance from Public Health England, Network Rail has now advised us that the planned bridge move will be rescheduled.

This work has been deferred along with a number of other schemes across the wider rail network because of Coronavirus.

The installation of the new bridge is a significant piece of engineering work that requires approximately 150 skilled workers to be on site at one time, the majority of whom would be working in a constrained area. This would make the government guidelines concerning working on construction sites extremely difficult to comply with, particularly with regard to social distancing and maintaining two metres between workers. The safety of workers and preventing the spread of Coronavirus is of utmost importance at this time.

The new bridge has been successfully constructed in the Horizon 38 compound and all four pile caps (foundations for the new bridge) have also been completed. This means these elements are ready for the bridge move when we are able to continue.

At this time, Network Rail, and its contractors Alun Griffiths, will remain on site at Gipsy Patch Lane completing work that they are able to do whilst complying with government guidelines. This includes preparatory and highways work for when the bridge is moved into position.

We understand there is a great local interest in the CPME project but everyone should be practising social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. People must follow government instructions to stay at home, avoid gatherings of more than two people and stay at least two metres away from other people. Therefore, we ask that you do not visit the construction site, including the railway bridge area, on Gipsy Patch Lane for any reason.

Gipsy Patch Lane and Station Road junction

Gipsy Patch Lane and the Station Road junction will remain closed so Network Rail and Alun Griffiths can continue their preparatory and highways work.

Shuttle Bus

Network Rail will continue to operate a shuttle bus for pedestrians needing to make essential journeys either side of the bridge. Further details on this service are available via the project website.

Train services

Train operating companies will be running reduced services until further notice in line with national advice against all non-essential travel.

Despite the postponement of the bridge move, the planned temporary closure of the railway between Bristol Parkway and Newport will still be going ahead from Saturday 11 April to Sunday 19 April inclusive. This is so that other planned engineering work on the railway that can be carried out within government guidelines, goes ahead. During this period, train services between Bristol and South Wales will be amended and buses will replace trains between Bristol Parkway and Newport.

If a journey is absolutely necessary, we strongly advise you to check before you travel by visiting GWR.com/Check or nationalrail.co.uk. Please note online journey planners may be amended at short notice.

We will continue to keep the community up to date and thank you for your continued patience and understanding at this time.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the project team.

Yours Faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane closure - 4th March 2020

Just a reminder that Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed at the railway bridge to all road users from 6am on Thursday 5 March.

The road will be closed for approximately eight months, however, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be working towards re-opening a route for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists beneath the new bridge as soon as possible. We will update the wider community when this is available.

This closure is needed so the new wider railway bridge can be moved into place and for the associated roadworks to be completed.

The new wider bridge will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes.

The current bridge creates a traffic bottleneck causing queues on Gipsy Patch Lane. The new bridge will relieve this pinch point, allowing for reliable bus journey times, as well as providing improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and private vehicles.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Diversion route

There will be a signed diversion route throughout the closure. This diversion route will take motorists via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38.

Additional signage will also be placed on the wider road network informing motorists of the Gipsy Patch Lane closure and advising them to use alternative routes.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes will also be available. More information on these can be found on our project website www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Shuttle Bus

During the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane Network Rail will operate a shuttle bus for pedestrians needing access either side of the bridge. The shuttle bus will start operation on Thursday 5 March. Further information is available on our project website, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Station Road junction closure

As part of the bridge replacement work Station Road will also need to be closed to all vehicles at its junction with Gipsy Patch Lane from Thursday 5 March for approximately eight months.

A diversion route for vehicles, to reach Station Road via Clay Lane and Little Stoke Lane, will be in operation and will be fully signposted throughout the junction closure. Please be aware that access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road is restricted by a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane during the closure.

All businesses on and near Station Road, including Patchway Train Station and the Sort It Centre, will be open as normal.

Further information

Dates and timeframes may be subject to further change and we will continue to keep the community up to date via social media and the council's website. Any updates will be posted on social media via www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and the project webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

We apologise for any inconvenience the Gipsy Patch Lane closure may cause and thank you for your patience.

Yours faithfully

The CPME Project Team
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane closure - 19th February 2020

I am writing to provide more information concerning the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane, which is needed to enable the work that is taking place as part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Gipsy Patch Lane closure

Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed at the railway bridge to all road users from Thursday 5 March for approximately eight months. However, Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths will be working towards re-opening a route for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists beneath the new bridge as soon as possible. We will update the wider community when this is available.

This closure is needed so the new wider railway bridge can be moved into place and for the associated roadworks to be completed.

The new wider bridge will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Diversion route

There will be a signed diversion route throughout the closure. This diversion route will take motorists via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38.

Additional signage will also be placed on the wider road network informing motorists of the Gipsy Patch Lane closure and advising them to use alternative routes.

A number of pedestrian and cycling diversion routes will also be available. More information on these can be found on our project website www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

Shuttle Bus

During the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane Network Rail will operate a shuttle bus for pedestrians needing access either side of the bridge. The shuttle bus will start operation on Thursday 5 March and will run weekdays, weekends and will also be available overnight.

This service will be free of charge and will operate for the duration of time the railway bridge is closed to pedestrians.

Further information will be provided in due course.

Rail line closure

To enable the new bridge to be moved into place the railway will need to be closed between Saturday 11 April and Sunday 19 April. During this time, train services between Bristol and South Wales will be amended, with buses replacing trains between Bristol Parkway and Newport. Some trains will be diverted adding extra time to journeys, while others will stop short of their usual final destination.

Further information will be available soon. Please check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.GWR.com/Bristol.

Station Road junction closure

As part of the bridge replacement work Station Road will also need to be closed to all vehicles at its junction with Gipsy Patch Lane from Thursday 5 March for approximately eight months.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane during the closure.

All businesses on and near Station Road, including Patchway Train Station and the Sort It Centre, will be open as normal.

Other major roadworks in the area

As part of the CPME, work is being carried out at the San Andreas roundabout, Cribbs Causeway, where a new bus only road link will be added and the roundabout will become signal controlled. San Andreas roundabout is at the junction of Hayes Way and Highwood Road with Merlin Road. To enable this work to be carried out there will be lane closures for approximately 12 months.

We are also working on a scheme to increase capacity at nearby Great Stoke roundabout, as well as improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

The roundabout, known locally as 'rabbit roundabout', is at the junction of Bradley Stoke Way and Great Stoke Way with the B4057 Winterbourne Road. The £2.9million scheme is being funded by the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership through the Investment Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

Work has already started on Great Stoke roundabout and will take up to one year to complete. Most of this work will require the use of narrow lanes which will be in place 24 hours a day and lane closures which will be restricted to times when traffic volumes are lower.

Further information

Whilst we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this work, we apologise for the inconvenience that the Gipsy Patch Lane closure may cause and any effect on journey times.

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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Update: Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) update - 10th January 2020

Piling Work

As part of the preparation work piling is needed to construct the bridge's foundations. Piling, which is the process of driving a foundation into the ground to give extra support to the structure on top, has been taking place near to the existing railway bridge since early November.

Until now the majority of the piling has been carried out during the day, however, unforeseen ground conditions have meant Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths need to change their working hours with an increase in the number of overnight shifts and weekend working.

From Monday 6 January, for approximately eight weeks, Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths will be working the following shifts:

7.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday
5pm – 3am Monday to Friday
8am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday

Work to be carried out will include piling and the construction of the new bridge in the Horizon 38 compound.

Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths will put in place a number of noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers around the piling equipment. Noise and vibration levels will also continue to be monitored by the council's Environmental Health Team.

If you have any questions regarding the piling work on Gipsy Patch Lane please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Station Road junction closure January 2020

The planned closure of the junction of Station Road with Gipsy Patch Lane has been postponed by the contractor and will now take effect from Monday 13 January. The closure is due to last approximately two weeks.

The closure is to enable Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths to continue with piling work which has been taking place.

Whilst we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this work, we apologise for the inconvenience that the Station Road/Gipsy Patch Lane junction closure may cause and any effect on journey times.

A diversion route for vehicles, to reach Station Road via Clay Lane and Little Stoke Lane, will be in operation and will be fully signposted throughout the junction closure. Please be aware that access to businesses to the southern end of Station Road will involve travelling under a footbridge with a height restriction of 4.2 metres.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road via Gipsy Patch Lane during the closure.

All businesses on and near Station Road, including Patchway Train Station and the Sort It Centre, will be open as normal.

Further information

These dates and timeframes may be subject to further change depending on ground conditions or adverse weather.

Any updates will be posted on social media via www.facebook.com/sgloscpme and the project webpage at www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

We are liaising with the local community and local businesses to minimise the impact of the works, however we do understand that they will cause considerable disruption and we sincerely apologise for this.

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Update: Highway Improvement Work 2020 - 9th January 2020

South Gloucestershire Council is investing £160m over four years to reduce congestion and emissions, improve cycling and pedestrian routes, facilitate faster bus journeys and future proof our road network.

CPME work

A major part of this programme of work is the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) scheme. Working with Network Rail, CPME is a £57 million project that includes replacing the railway bridge over Gipsy Patch Lane. The new wider bridge will enable shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways and a bus lane in each direction alongside general traffic. The scheme will also include footway widening and new bus lanes along other sections of Gipsy Patch Lane. This will result in significant benefits for everyone, whether you travel by bus, car, cycle or on foot.

Work will also be carried out at the San Andreas roundabout, Cribbs Causeway, where a new bus only road link will be added and the roundabout will become signal controlled. San Andreas roundabout is at the junction of Hayes Way and Highwood Road with Merlin Road. On Hatchet Road we will be upgrading two bus stops to metrobus stops.

Roadworks

Work has already begun on some elements of this project but over the next 12 months further traffic management measures will be put in place to enable this work to continue.

Gipsy Patch Lane will be closed to all road users at the railway bridge for approximately eight months from early March 2020. This will allow the replacement railway bridge to be moved into place and for associated highway works to be carried out. As part of this work the junction of Station Road with Gipsy Patch Lane also needs to be closed to motorists for periods of time. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Station Road throughout the work. Exact dates of these road closures and information on diversion routes will be publicised in advance.

To enable work to be carried out at the San Andreas roundabout there will be lane closures for approximately 12 months. This work will start from February 2020.

Along Hatchet Road we will need to use temporary traffic lights during off-peak hours. This work is expected to start in the spring and last approximately three months.

Other major roadworks in the area

We are also working on a scheme to increase capacity at nearby Great Stoke roundabout, as well as improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Public drop-in events

To help keep you informed and to explain more about highway improvement works taking place in the area, we are holding a series of public drop-in events:

Wednesday 22 January 4pm to 7pm
Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HY
Saturday 25 January 11.30am to 2.30pm
Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR
Monday 27 January 4pm to 7pm
St Michael's Centre, North Rd, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PD
Thursday 30 January 4pm to 7pm
Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 8BH

Officers from the council will be available to answer your questions, along with representatives from Network Rail and Alun Griffiths who are involved with the CPME project. Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to book. Please note these are drop-in sessions and you can attend at any time during the session.

On Saturday 25 January members of the TravelWest Team will also be on hand at the Little Stoke Community Hall event offering advice on alternative, active and sustainable travel options. They will also be able to help with journey planning.

Further information

Further information about all highway improvement schemes in South Gloucestershire is available at www.southglos.gov.uk/majorroadworks. You can also sign up for email updates on our website.

We are liaising with the local community and local businesses to minimise the impact of the works, however we do understand the works will cause considerable disruption. We sincerely apologise for this and thank you for your patience.

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane piling work update - 6th November 2019

Piling work

We are writing to you regarding the piling work that has started on Gipsy Patch Lane in preparation for construction of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME).

Piling work, which is needed to construct the foundations for the new railway bridge, is the process of driving a foundation into the ground to give extra support to the structure on top. The piling is noisy, however, Network Rail and their contractors Alun Griffiths are working to minimise the disturbance and have put in place a number of noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers around the piling equipment and working at daytime wherever possible.

The piling will be carried out over a period of approximately three months. The majority of the piling will take place during the daytime between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. It is not expected that piling will be carried out every day during this time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out by businesses close to the railway bridge some of the piling will have to be done overnight or during weekends. Overnight work is expected to start from Wednesday 20 November. There will be up to 18 nights of piling work from this date but this will not run consecutively and will be carried out in phases.

The first phase of overnight work is due to take place for three nights from Wednesday 20 November to Friday 22 November, between 6pm and 3am, and on Monday 25 November, between 6pm and 3am.

We will publicise the dates of future overnight work on the CPME website and via social media.

If weekend work is required this will only take place on Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm.

These dates are subject to change. Noise and vibration will be monitored throughout the work and we will make adjustments if necessary. We will keep you updated throughout the piling work and notify you of any changes to the planned work.

Please be aware there are currently no plans to carry out piling work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.

Traffic management

Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open during the piling work.

To enable the work automated Stop/Go boards will be used as needed on Gipsy Patch Lane. These will only be used when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane, their use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Further information

If you have an enquiry regarding the piling work please call the Network Rail 24-hour helpline number on 03457 11 41 41.

Further information about the CPME project is available on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus.

We do understand the works will cause considerable disruption and we sincerely apologise for this.

With regards, The CPME Project Team

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane Traffic Management - 11th October 2019

This is to inform you that three-way temporary traffic lights will be put in place on Gipsy Patch Lane next week (from Monday 14 October).

The lights will need to be positioned at the railway bridge and will include the junction with Station Road.

The temporary lights are needed by Wales and West Utilities whilst diversionary work is carried out on the gas main in preparation for the replacement railway bridge next year. The work is expected to take up to two weeks and the lights will be in operation around the clock.

It was hoped that this work could be completed without the need for traffic lights but for the safety of all road users this is no longer the case. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

We will continue to keep local residents, businesses and commuters up to date on the project. For further information about CPME, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus.

You can also keep up to date on the project via our Facebook page. For users of the social media site the page is available to view at www.facebook.com/sgloscpme

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge and piling work - 30th September 2019

Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge

Work is now well underway around the railway bridge in preparation for its replacement next year and we would like to thank you for your patience.

Preparation work being carried out includes:

Continuing work on establishing a construction site in the Horizon 38 Business Park next to the railway bridge. This is where the new bridge will be constructed before it is moved into positon during Easter 2020. The construction site will also be used for offices, equipment storage and parking for workers involved with the project.
Further clearance of trees and shrubs will take place around the existing bridge to make room for the new, wider bridge.
Preparation for foundation works at the four corners of the new bridge.

Piling work

As part of the preparation work for the new railway bridge piling is needed to construct its foundations. Piling is the process of driving a foundation into the ground to give extra support to the structure on top.

The new railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane will weigh approximately 4,500 tonnes with pile foundations to a depth of 25 metres. These are the most appropriate type of support for such a significant structure when considering the ground conditions in the area and that the bridge needs to remain fit for purpose for up to 125 years. Piling is required at the four corners of the new railway bridge.

This project will use two types of piling techniques. Both of these are noisy, however we will work to minimise the disturbance and will put in place a number of noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers around the piling equipment and working at daytime wherever possible.

The piling work is due to start the week commencing Monday 14 October and will be carried out over a period of approximately three months. The majority of the piling will take place during the daytime between the hours of 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. It is not expected that piling will be carried out every day during this time.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out by businesses close to the railway bridge some of the piling will have to be done overnight or during weekends. It is expected that overnight work will be required from mid-October to early-December for approximately 18 nights, on the non-residential side of the bridge only. Overnight work will be carried out between the hours of 6pm and 3am. We will provide more information about the overnight work closer to the start date.

If weekend work is required this will only take place on Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm.

Drop-in

We will be hosting a drop-in session at Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, on Tuesday 8 October between 4pm and 7pm, for people who have any questions regarding the piling work. At the event members of the project team, including representatives from Network Rail and Alun Griffiths Contractors, will be available to speak to.

Alternatively, if you have any questions please email the team at CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk

Traffic management

Gipsy Patch Lane will remain open during the piling work.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Further information

Further information about the piling, the wider preparation works and the CPME project is available on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus. You can also sign up for email updates on our website.

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane Traffic Management - 13th September 2019

The three-way temporary traffic lights at the railway bridge on Gipsy Patch Lane are to remain in place for at least a further week. Contractors are currently installing crossings on Gipsy Patch Lane as part of preparation works for the bridge replacement next year. The extension to the temporary lights is needed to enable additional work to lower a utility cable.

Safety is paramount and given the limited space around the railway bridge the temporary lights help protect workers and members of the public whilst this work is completed.

This additional work will not affect the project's timetable.

The temporary lights will only operate Monday to Friday during off-peak hours and pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be able to pass under the railway bridge. Cyclists may be asked to dismount.

Once this work is completed the temporary traffic lights will be replaced with automated Stop/Go boards on Gipsy Patch Lane. These will only be used as needed when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane. Their use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued patience. We will continue to keep local residents, businesses and commuters up to date on the project.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

For further information about CPME, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

You can now keep up to date on the project via our new Facebook page. For users of the social media site the page is available to view at www.facebook.com/sgloscpme

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Update: Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge - August 2019

Roadworks have been taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane in preparation for construction of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) and we would like to thank you for your patience so far.

As part of CPME, planned works on Gipsy Patch Lane include the replacement of the existing railway bridge with a wider bridge, which will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways, as well as general traffic lanes. South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail and Alun Griffiths Contractors are working together to deliver the new bridge.

The construction work will involve traffic management on the road, including an approximate eight month closure of Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge from early 2020 to enable the replacement of the railway bridge and the associated road works.

Initial railway bridge construction preparation works

From next month (September) preparation works will continue for the bridge replacement. This will include the following:

Continuing work on establishing a construction site in the Horizon 38 Business Park next to the railway bridge. This is where the new bridge will be constructed before it is moved into positon during Easter 2020. The construction site will also be used for offices, equipment storage and parking for workers involved with the project.
Further clearance of trees and shrubs will take place around the existing bridge, including the removal of the large trees outside Pegasus Park. The pill box will also be dismantled and removed.
Preparation for foundation works at the four corners of the new bridge and the installation of dropped kerbs for temporary crossing points on Gipsy Patch Lane.
Piling works will need to be carried out from October to construct the new bridge's foundations. This will be noisy and we will work to minimise the disruption caused. We will write to residents and businesses again with further details before they start.

Traffic management

To assist the preparation works a number of traffic management measures will be in use over the coming months.

From Monday 2nd September temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation on Gipsy Patch Lane at the railway bridge. These will be in place for up to two weeks.

After this period automated Stop/Go boards will be used as needed on Gipsy Patch Lane. These will only be used when workers and machinery from the construction site need to safely cross Gipsy Patch Lane, their use will be kept to a minimum and as far as possible will be kept to off-peak times.

All shops and businesses on and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Further information

Further information about the preparation works and the wider CPME project is available on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus. You can also sign up for email updates on our website.

If you have any questions please email the team CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk

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Update: Outline Site Works Programme August to October 2019

Please download the following PDF document for details of the proposed Gipsy Patch Lane works from August to October 2019.

Outline Site Works Programme Aug 19 > Oct 19 (PDF)

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Update: Closure of Gipsy Patch Lane in June 2019

Roadworks are currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford, in preparation for construction of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension which is expected to start later this year. The current work is being undertaken by BT to divert underground utilities and we would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding so far.

June 2019 closure

The next phase of BT's preparatory work will require Gipsy Patch Lane to be closed to all vehicles at the railway bridge for approximately four weeks. This closure is due to commence on Monday 3 June 2019. The existing footway under the bridge will be kept open for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists during the June closure.

A signed diversion route (see below) via Bradley Stoke Way and the A38 will be in place during this time. Access to properties and side roads along Gipsy Patch Lane will be maintained and no disruption to the supply of utilities is expected. Businesses and shops along and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Works are also necessary at the junction with Station Road. We currently anticipate that the junction will remain open, but with temporary traffic lights for a period during June.

Dates of the closure and diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

In addition, site clearance, ground investigations and surveys are being carried out near the bridge during May and June. This includes the removal of vegetation on the railway embankments and will not require any further road closures.

Main Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension construction work

The utilities diversion work, including the June 2019 closure, is in preparation for the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) construction work which will start later in 2019.

Working with Network Rail, the CPME scheme includes replacing the railway bridge over Gipsy Patch Lane with a wider bridge to enable both a general traffic and a bus lane in each direction as well as shared use cycle and pedestrian pathways. The scheme will also include footway widening and new bus lanes along other sections of Gipsy Patch Lane. This will result in significant benefits for all highway users, whether you travel by bus, car, cycle or on foot.

The construction work will include extensive traffic management, including an approximate eight month closure of Gipsy Patch Lane from early 2020 to enable the replacement of the railway bridge.

Further information including detailed maps and a timeline of the works is available on our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

We are liaising with the local community and businesses to minimise the impact of the work but we do understand the closure of this busy commuter route will cause considerable disruption. We apologise for this and appreciate any help to notify regular users of Gipsy Patch Lane.

If you have any questions please email the team CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk

Yours faithfully
Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

Diversion route for June 2019 Gipsy Patch Lane closure

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Update: Roadworks on Gipsy Patch Lane, Stoke Gifford and public drop-ins

Roadworks are currently taking place on Gipsy Patch Lane in preparation for construction of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension which is expected to start later this year. The current work is being undertaken by BT to divert underground utilities and we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding so far.

June 2019 closure

The next phase of BT's preparatory work will require Gipsy Patch Lane to be closed to all highway users, including pedestrians and cyclists, at the railway bridge for approximately four weeks during June.

A signed diversion route will be in place during this time. Access to properties and side roads along Gipsy Patch Lane will be maintained and no disruption to the supply of utilities is expected. Businesses and shops along and near Gipsy Patch Lane will be open as normal.

Dates of the full closure and diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

In addition, ground investigations and surveys will be carried out near the bridge during May and June. This will include some devegetation on the railway embankments but will not require any further road closures.

Main Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension

The utilities diversion work, including the June 2019 closure, is in preparation for the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) construction work which will start later in 2019. To help keep you informed and to explain more about these works, we are holding a series of public drop-in events:

Wednesday 8 May 5pm to 7pm
Little Stoke Primary School, Little Stoke, BS34 6HY
Monday 13 May 3pm to 6pm
Patchway Community Centre, Rodway Road, Patchway, BS34 5PF
Tuesday 14 May 3pm to 5pm
Cherry Room, Baileys Court Activity Centre, Baileys Court Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8BH
Monday 20 May 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Stoke Gifford Parish Council, Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, BS34 6HR
Tuesday 21 May 4pm to 7pm
St Michael's Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8PD
Wednesday 22 May 3pm to 6pm
BAWA Centre, 589 Southmead Rd, BS34 7RG

Officers will be available to answer your questions and information will also be available about forthcoming CPME works at the San Andreas roundabout at the western end of Hayes Way. Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no need to book. Please note these are drop-in sessions and you can attend at any time during the session.

The construction work will include extensive traffic management, including an approximate eight month closure of Gipsy Patch Lane from early 2020 to enable the replacement of the railway bridge.

We will publish all information displayed at the drop-in events on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/CPmetrobus

I would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to you by the roadworks. If you have any questions then please email CPmetrobus@southglos.gov.uk

Yours faithfully

Richard Gillingham
Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension Project Sponsor
South Gloucestershire Council

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South Gloucestershire Council - Gipsy Patch Lane travel survey

We are currently considering options to manage traffic during the main Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension construction work on Gipsy Patch Lane which is due to start later this year. We have published an online travel survey to better understand travel patterns on Gipsy Patch Lane. Please complete the survey if you travel along this road regularly. It should take about five minutes to complete and your input will help us to minimise disruption during the roadworks.

Complete the survey at www.southglos.gov.uk/GPLsurvey

The survey is open until Wednesday 20 March 2019

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