Hambrook junction’s traffic restrictions stay. Air quality data from 2022 impacts the decision, frustrating drivers for longer.
The council sent air quality data from 2022 and 2023. They need two years of acceptable nitrogen dioxide levels before authorities can review the restrictions.
Government experts checked nitrogen dioxide levels and found them okay in 2023, but some data was too high in 2022. As a result, the junction will stay restricted, which drivers find frustrating.
In 2017, nitrogen dioxide was too high, leading to a government requirement of traffic changes in 2019. Part of the junction closed and traffic was rerouted.
Northbound B4058 traffic from Frenchay faced changes. Turning right onto the A4174 disappeared, and going straight to Winterbourne also vanished. Traffic could only turn left onto the A4174 towards the M32. The left-turn lane expanded.
Westbound A4174 lost its right turn, meaning drivers could not go to Winterbourne on the B4058. The bus lane closed, creating another traffic lane. The setup was supposed to last 18 months, but it’s now been six years.
The road changes frustrate drivers, particularly those from Frenchay who now have much longer trips. They must drive to the M32, go around the roundabout, and then drive up the A4174 to reach the B4058.
The A432 bridge closing soon also increases traffic around Hambrook junction. Many people want the road changes gone, and a petition asked to end the scheme, citing longer wait times and trips.
Petitioners said air quality progress seemed slow. The council responded that the road must have good air quality, with nitrogen dioxide dropping to acceptable levels before they can change the junction.
While nitrogen dioxide was fine in 2023, some 2022 data was too high, so the traffic changes stay in place.
Government reports showed some problems. Nitrogen dioxide was too high at two spots between the M32 and B4058. Three more sites risked exceeding safe levels.
Data was taken in 2020 and 2021, but COVID-19 made this data unusual, so it was not used.
The council released a highway update, stating that government experts assessed Hambrook’s data. The 2023 nitrogen dioxide was within legal limits, but not all of 2022 matched.
The council cannot review road changes yet, needing two compliant years. Experts will assess 2024 data in 2025.
The council discussed junction plans before getting the 2022-2023 data. They aim to improve the ring road, but government experts still watch the junction, preventing changes. They dropped plans for a bus gate and will tie in road work at the junction sides.
When asked about junction plans, and what would happen if air quality is good for two years, the council confirmed they will look at all options. They’ll consider ways to maintain legal compliance and assess all possible choices.