FEARS of “commuter chaos” as a result of essential roadworks to the Bromley Heath Viaduct have been somewhat allayed.

This is following recommendations from South Gloucestershire Council’s transport committee, who have proposed additional funding for works on the A1474 (Avon Ring Road).

At present, works on the road could mean that it is closed for up to a year, with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction.

This led residents to express concerns that the works would cause traffic mayhem extending to the Frampton Cotterell, Yate and Coalpit Heath areas.

However, the South Gloucestershire Council transport committee has recommended that works on the Bromley Heath Viaduct are to be accelerated, with a view to halving the amount of time it will take for the repairs to be completed.

They have also advised that a further £3.7million be added to the £17million invested in South Gloucestershire roads.

This extra money would be used to put a contraflow system in place, meaning the bridge could be open up to 20 weeks earlier than expected.

Speaking of the decision, Cllr Colin Hunt, Lead Member for Planning, Transport, and Strategic Environment, said: “We are very aware of the traffic chaos these vital repairs are going to cause, but we can’t afford to let the bridge fall down.

“We have been working hard to find a way to deliver these repairs more quickly in a way which is acceptable to us as a council, to the contractors in terms of health and safety, and to local residents in terms of whether night time working was acceptable.

“Having had these conversations with the community and partners we have come to an agreement that if we can secure the necessary £3.7m we can go ahead with a 33 week contraflow on the viaduct, allowing us to open the bridge 19-20 weeks earlier than the initial plans.

“We are hoping to hear back from the Government in the near future. “

Should the funding be awarded, it is hoped that it will vastly reduce the impact on commuters and nearby residents.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said that he is “delighted” to hear of the suggestion.

He said: “The council is now moving swiftly to ensure that the possible chaos to residents in Yate, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath is reduced by these proposals and extra investment.

“I would like to thank Tim Bowles for his help in really making the case to the Transport Secretary as to why these works were so essential for our area”

Metro mayor candidate Tim Bowles added: “It will be a great relief to residents that there are firm steps and actions being taken to ensure the possible commuter chaos is vastly reduced.

“Working alongside Luke I feel we have made a powerful argument to Government to support our roads, especially the important A1474.”

Residents are invited to email Colin.Hunt@southglos.gov.uk for suggestions on how to ease the problems caused by the works.