Improvements to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which will make it safer for all users, have been revealed.

After an extensive engagement with the communities who use the path, Sustrans and Bristol City Council have revealed the designs to make the path a more inclusive space.
Changes will be made to the path on the stretch between Trinity Street and Clay Bottom, with some of the biggest changes happening next to Easton Community Centre.
By the Community Centre, the large mound of earth that sits in the triangle of space at the junction will be levelled, opening the area up for community use. There will also be clearer visibility around the space, for improved safety for everyone.

New seating and planters will welcome people to use this space as a spot to stop, relax, enjoy and socialise. Easton Community Centre and Raised in Easton nursery will work with children and local people as custodians of the new planters. This will help the area become a growing and learning spot.

The path will be widened on the approach to the triangle, to make more room for everybody moving around. A surface zone pattern with inputs from local school children will give the space a unique identity.

Some other changes are needed to allow these plans to happen. To enable the path widening, there will be a slight realignment of the fence between the path and Owen Square Park. This will also mean slight changes are required to the play equipment in the park. To make sure there’s enough safe space around the climbing frame for children to play, the ‘fireman’s pole’ will be removed.

Speaking about the project, James Cleeton, Sustrans’ director for the south of England said:

“We’re really excited to finally be able to share these designs. Over the last two years, we’ve engaged with a huge number of people who use the path, or who would if their needs were better met by it.

For more information and to see the designs for the rest of the path between Trinity Street and Clay Bottom, visit sustrans.org.uk/bbrp-project