New bridge and bus changes planned to improve pedestrian safety in Bradford on Avon

Plans to improve pedestrian safety and ease congestion in Bradford on Avon are moving forward as Wiltshire Council and Bradford on Avon Town Council work together on a series of major transport projects.

At the centre of the plans is a proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon. The bridge would link Bridge Street on the south side of the town with Bridge Yard on the north, giving walkers and cyclists a safer way to cross without using the busy Town Bridge.

Wiltshire Council is now preparing an outline business case for the project, funded by Active Travel England. This will set out the costs and help the councils apply for the grant funding needed to deliver the bridge.

The councils are also exploring changes to Silver Street, including the possibility of a bus only contraflow system. Under the proposal, all vehicles would be able to travel south, but only buses would be allowed to travel north. This would avoid lengthy bus diversions while potentially creating space to widen pavements and improve safety for people on foot. A feasibility study is under way and is due to be completed in summer 2026.

Other work being developed includes potential improvements to pedestrian access on Market Street, upgrades to air quality monitoring equipment to give a clearer picture of pollution levels, and measures to reduce the impact of increased traffic in other parts of the town. These will be considered through the local highway and footway improvement group.

Wiltshire Council is also working on a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Bradford on Avon, with public consultation expected in the new year.

Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said the partnership was focused on making the town safer and more accessible.

He said a new footbridge had long been requested by residents, particularly due to safety concerns on the Town Bridge, and would also provide a reliable crossing during flooding when routes can be cut off.

Mayor of Bradford on Avon, Councillor Jack Vittles, acknowledged that progress can feel slow but said important steps were now being taken.

He said the town council shared residents’ frustration about timescales, but securing funding for large projects requires careful planning and formal processes, and that good progress was now being made on both schemes.

More updates are expected in the coming months as the studies and funding work continue.