Two bus lanes in Weston-super-Mare will be temporarily suspended to alleviate congestion during extensive roadworks scheduled from May 2026 to January 2027. The planned works along the B3440, Queensway, and Bristol Road in Worle include replacing traffic signals with roundabouts and adding a bypass lane. To reduce traffic disruption, North Somerset Council is pausing the use of two nearby bus lanes.
Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) explained, “I requested a review of suspending these bus lanes amid the wider works due to concerns about the pressure on our road network. While long-term solutions require substantial investment to improve motorway access, we must take immediate small steps to ease congestion.”
One affected lane is on Bristol Road near the Food Warehouse approaching Queensway junction, which is being closed to facilitate easier left turns for drivers and shorten queues. Additionally, the new bus lane on the slip road from Somerset Avenue (A370) onto Bristol Road (B3440) will remain inactive until the Queensway improvements are complete. However, the bus lane on the slip road leading to Somerset Avenue towards Junction 21 will continue operating.
READ MORE: Timid Deer Rescued from Dangerous Sports Netting in Somerset Hills
READ MORE: 29 Death Notices and Funeral Announcements from Somerset This Week
Temporary “bus lane not in use” signs will be installed alongside the suspended lanes. Hugh Malyan, the council’s newly appointed cabinet member for highways and transport (Weston-super-Mare South Worle, Labour), emphasized, “Suspending these bus lanes temporarily will help maintain traffic flow during this crucial upgrade. These works are vital to enhancing long-term reliability for drivers and bus users alike, and this short-term adjustment helps manage congestion effectively."
The Queensway project aims to increase traffic capacity and improve rush hour flow, with bus lanes on Bristol Road and Somerset Avenue designed to support bus service reliability. Buses currently represent just 1% of vehicles on the A370 corridor but transport 20% of the people.
This scheme is part of North Somerset Council’s “bus service improvement plan,” a series of infrastructure enhancements backed by significant government funding. However, the rollout of bus lanes has faced public opposition. In 2024, bus lane implementation was paused from April to November to reassess plans after strong backlash. More recently, the council canceled a £2.2 million proposal for a 260-meter bus lane in Backwell.
Bus lanes aim to accelerate bus journeys, making routes more efficient and economically viable for the future. Along with the lanes, the council is investing in upgraded bus stops, shelters, transport hubs with improved seating and real-time arrival screens, as well as reduced bus fares to encourage public transport use.