The bus lane, near Food Warehouse in Weston, will close to traffic this week. Picture: Google

Major bus lane near Weston to close to general traffic during roadworks

Paul JonesJanuary 26, 20260 Comment0

THE bus lane on a major route in Weston-super-Mare will close to general traffic this week due to roadworks.

The route, by Food Warehouse in Weston, will be shut from Wednesday (January 28) to enable Openreach utility works ahead of the major Queensway junction improvement scheme, set to begin in June.

Previously, the bus lane was opened to general traffic to ease left turn congestion from Bristol Road into Queensway, but it will close to vehicles other than buses as Openreach constructs an underground chamber and diverts services on the Bristol Roadside of the junction.

“Openreach services are among the many utilities that run underneath our road network,” a North Somerset Council spokesperson said.

“These utilities services ensure that water, gas, electricity and internet can reach homes and businesses in the local area.

“Utilities diversions ahead of construction works are vital as they help to prevent situations where these important services can be accidentally cut off from properties.”

Elsewhere, work on the Worle transport hub near McDonald’s are also set to begin the end of February, with utility work expected to take around eight weeks.

During the work, the existing interchange will close, with outbound X service buses temporarily using the bus stop outside the Food Warehouse.

Other activity ahead of the main work is also already underway, including building a retaining wall and modifying the drainpipes near the Walford Avenue junction.

Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet member for highways and transport at the council, said: “We understand that roadworks can be frustrating, and we appreciate the patience shown while this essential work is carried out.

“Completing these utility diversions now will help prevent additional disruption later in the programme and ensure that residents and businesses continue to receive uninterrupted digital connectivity.

“Our aim is to deliver a safer, smoother and more reliable junction for everyone travelling through the area. We encourage anyone planning a journey nearby to allow a little extra time and plan ahead while the works are underway.”

The upgrade is part of a wider programme investing in better bus travel across North Somerset, including improvements to around 150 bus stops and shelters, new hubs in key towns, and enhanced routes and facilities – all fully funded by the UK Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

For the latest updates on the programme in North Somerset, visit
https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/transport-travel/bus-travel/bus-service-improvement-plan-bsip.