CPME (‘MetroBus 2’): What happens next?

The controversial Hatchet Road bus lane may have been scrapped (as previously reported), but the wider Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension (CPME) project, of which the bus lane was a relatively small part, goes on and is expected to gather pace in the next few months.

The objective of the CPME is to provide a fast and reliable bus link between Cribbs Causeway, Filton Airfield and Bristol Parkway Station. The scheme will also relieve traffic congestion by replacing the current Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge with a new concrete structure that accommodates four lanes of traffic (one bus lane and one general traffic lane in each direction).

The next milestone will be the submission of four planning applications; the two of local interest being the one for the new railway bridge and another for highway works on Gipsy Patch Lane and Hatchet Road.

Subject to planning consent being granted, a full business case for the scheme will be submitted to the West of England Combined Authority later this year.

In relation to the Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge work, South Gloucestershire Council says it has agreed terms with the developers of the former East Works site (now known as Horizon 38) to provide land for a temporary site compound that will be required for the duration of this aspect of the scheme.

Further information on the CPME project is available at travelwest.info/projects/cribbs-patchway-metrobus-extension

Timeline for the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension

• February 2018: Planning applications submitted
• Later in 2018: Construction starts
• 2019: Gipsy Patch Lane railway bridge construction
• 2021: Construction complete and services operating

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine (on page 23). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.