New Speed Restrictions and Road Closures on A46 Near Bath, South West England – Travel Delays Expected

Published on February 15, 2025

Travelers using the A46 near Bath, one of the busiest routes in the South West, should prepare for delays and road closures in the coming weeks. National Highways has announced a speed reduction scheme aimed at improving safety on this vital roadway, following an extensive review of collision data.

Between 2017 and 2021, the A46 near Bath experienced 41 incidents, resulting in 79 casualties, including two fatalities. Due to these alarming statistics, National Highways has teamed up with Avon and Somerset Police, South Gloucestershire Council, and Bath and North East Somerset Council to introduce new measures to enhance road safety.

The upcoming changes will reduce speed limits along several key sections of the A46, and temporary road closures will be necessary to facilitate the work. Travelers passing through this area should expect delays, plan alternative routes, and allow extra time for their journeys.

Why the Speed Restrictions Are Being Introduced on the A46

The speed reduction scheme is part of the National Highways’ Safety and Congestion Fund, which aims to lower the risk of collisions and improve traffic flow on high-risk roads across the country.

Sean Walsh, National Highways’ A46 Route Manager, emphasized the importance of safety improvements on the road:

“Safety is our first priority, and we constantly monitor the safety performance of all our roads, including the A46. Following a review of collision data and working closely with our police and local authority partners, we have taken the decision to implement revised speed limits to reduce safety risks along the single-lane section between Upper Swainswick and Junction 18 of the M4.”

The new measures aim to prevent accidents, protect motorists and pedestrians, and create a safer driving environment for those using this busy corridor.

Road Closures and Traffic Management on the A46

To carry out the necessary work, National Highways has scheduled overnight closures and the implementation of temporary traffic lights along the affected sections.

Work begins on Monday, February 24, with a combination of overnight closures and temporary traffic lights in place from 8 PM to 6 AM on weeknights. The work is expected to be completed by mid-March.

Closures north of the Cold Ashton roundabout will occur overnight on Thursday, March 6, to Friday, March 7, and Friday, March 7, to Saturday, March 8.

Closures south of the Cold Ashton roundabout will take place overnight on Wednesday, March 12, to Thursday, March 13, Thursday, March 13, to Friday, March 14, Friday, March 14, to Saturday, March 15, and Monday, March 17, to Tuesday, March 18.

National Highways has carefully scheduled these closures to occur overnight, when traffic volumes are at their lowest, in an effort to minimize disruption for travelers.

Diversion Routes for A46 Closures

To help motorists navigate the closures, two primary diversion routes have been established.

When the A46 is closed north of the Cold Ashton roundabout, the official diversion route will take drivers via B4465 → A4174 → A420 before rejoining the A46 at Cold Ashton.

When the A46 is closed south of the Cold Ashton roundabout, drivers will need to follow A420 → A350 → A4 before rejoining their intended route.

Both diversion routes are accessible in both directions, ensuring smooth travel for commuters, freight vehicles, and visitors to the area.

Additionally, some local roads will have temporary diversions for the removal and installation of signage. Affected roads include Field Lane, Dunsdown Lane, Middledown Road, and Sands Hill.

Authorities Urge Travelers to Plan Ahead and Follow Speed Limits

Sean Walsh of National Highways has urged road users to be patient and understanding during these essential works. “To keep disruption to a minimum, we’re carrying out the work at night when traffic volumes are lowest. We thank people in advance for their patience and advise them to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.”

The new speed restrictions will not only help prevent accidents but also improve the overall driving experience on the A46 by reducing congestion and ensuring safer travel conditions.

Avon and Somerset Police Support the Safety Initiative

Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman of Avon and Somerset Police welcomed the move, stressing the importance of tackling speed-related collisions on the A46.

“We welcome National Highways’ efforts to improve driver safety on the A46 and their use of data to identify the riskiest stretches of road in the area. Inappropriate and excessive speed is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ driving behaviors that most commonly contribute to fatal and serious injury collisions.

In 2023 and 2024 alone, we attended 872 fatal and serious injury collisions on roads across Avon and Somerset. Of these, speed-related factors were present in 436 cases, which means that 50% of those incidents involved speeding.

The speed limits we put in place are not optional; they are there to keep our roads safe for motorists and pedestrians alike. Even one life lost due to excess speed is one too many, and such incidents are completely avoidable.

We will continue to target road users who do not adhere to these necessary safety measures.”

The police are set to increase monitoring and enforcement of speed limits along the A46 once the new restrictions are implemented.

How Travelers Can Minimize Disruption During the Roadworks

To avoid unnecessary delays and disruptions, travelers should:

• Check for updates on road closures and diversions via National Highways and local council websites.
• Plan their journey in advance and allow extra time for travel during overnight closures.
• Follow official diversion routes to avoid getting caught in congestion.
• Adhere to the new speed limits to ensure safety and compliance with the law.

For those visiting Bath or traveling through the South West, these roadworks may cause minor inconvenience, but they ultimately serve the greater purpose of enhancing road safety and reducing collision risks.

Final Thoughts

The A46 near Bath is undergoing much-needed safety improvements, with new speed restrictions and infrastructure enhancements set to reduce accident rates and improve traffic flow.

Although the overnight closures may cause temporary disruptions, they are being carefully planned to minimize the impact on travelers. With clear diversion routes and a strong commitment from National Highways, local authorities, and Avon and Somerset Police, these measures aim to make the A46 a safer route for all road users.

Whether you’re a commuter, tourist, or local resident, staying informed and planning ahead will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey during this period of road improvements.