An update on the Victoria Street improvement works

The Victoria Street improvements, which are part of the wider Bus Route 2 project along the A37 and A4018, have made substantial progress since work began in January 2025. The lower section of the street is nearing completion, with a newly constructed separated cycle path and high-quality paving in expanded public spaces.

Local businesses between Temple Street and Church Lane are already benefiting from these upgrades, with outdoor seating now available for customers. Similar opportunities will extend to businesses between Mitchell Lane and St Thomas Street East as work continues to widen pavements in the area.

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Policy Committee, said:

“I’m delighted to see works on Victoria Street progressing and I look forward to residents and businesses reaping the benefits once they are completed.

“Not only will these improvements deliver a better experience for people using the popular number 2 bus route, but they will also bring cleaner air and improved active travel options to the local community.

“It’s great to see us hit another milestone and I look forward to seeing the finished product in the spring. However, I would also like to thank residents and businesses for their patience as we upgrade their local area.”

Progress at the Counterslip junction has been delayed due to scaffolding on the Milliners building. Once this is removed, work is expected to begin in January 2026.

In the meantime, work has been carried out to connect the Victoria Street works to the existing cycle path on Bristol Bridge, install a crossing point that is level with the pavement on Bath Street, and add a larger bus shelter with a living roof on the north side of Victoria Street.

Looking ahead, work will continue up to St Thomas Street East and begin progressing down from Redcliffe Street before the Christmas break. Temporary traffic lights and diversions will be in place on the Counterslip/Victoria St junction to minimise disruption. Victoria Street will be resurfaced between Bristol Bridge and Temple Gate towards the end of the project, which will mean some overnight closures.

Buses will continue to operate along Victoria Street, however the road will remain closed to northbound traffic (between Temple Gate and Counterslip). The current northbound bus diversion is anticipated to stay in place until the project is complete.

The project is on track for completion in May 2026 and is expected to cost £ 5.5 million. It is being funded by the UK government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.