Major roadworks in Bath city centre, which began earlier this week, are scheduled to be completed before the Bath Christmas Market kicks off in November. The council’s upgrades aim to enhance safety and accessibility while minimising inconvenience to residents and visitors.
Manvers Street and Bridge Street closed on May 26 as part of a large-scale project involving vital road repairs, the installation of new cycle lanes, and the widening of pavements. Bridge Street will remain closed for approximately three weeks to accommodate the addition of a segregated cycle lane. Meanwhile, Manvers Street faces an extended closure of up to six months due to essential major reconstruction work designed to prevent road collapse caused by deteriorating vaults beneath the surface.
Bath and North East Somerset Council emphasised its commitment to reducing delays by coordinating closely with contractors and utility companies. “While construction may cause some delays, all works are planned to finish before the Bath Christmas Market begins,” the council stated.
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Manvers Street is constructed over historic vaults protected by concrete slabs dating back to the Second World War. These slabs have weakened over time. The current work involves excavating down to the vault tops, reinforcing them with foamed concrete, and installing new slabs to ensure the road’s structural integrity.
Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, Lucy Hodge, highlighted the importance of the project: “The work on Manvers Street is crucial to guaranteeing the road’s long-term safety and resilience, preventing issues like those previously encountered at St James’s Parade.”
Hodge added, “We recognise there’s no perfect time for maintenance, but we are focused on minimising disruption. These enhancements will deliver smoother journeys, safer streets, improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes, and cleaner air—benefits that will serve our entire community for years to come.”
Funded with £5 million from the West of England Combined Authority’s Maintenance Challenge Fund, the Manvers Street reconstruction is a distinct initiative, although the council will also use this road closure to upgrade pavements and street lighting.
Importantly, Manvers Street Car Park remains open with access via Pierrepont Street. However, all bus stops on Manvers Street are temporarily closed, and buses have been rerouted accordingly.