28 January 2025
Bristol City Council has updated its plans for changes to the road network between Queens Road and College Green. The changes aim to improve bus journey times and encourage people to walk, wheel, and cycle more.
Visualisation looking north towards Victoria Rooms
The plans show significant changes outside some key University buildings:
They also include a new bus shelter on Queen’s Avenue serving the U1 bus, and improvements to the public space at the bottom of University Road.
Some of the changes mean that you will need to take a different route when driving between University buildings in Clifton.
You will still be able to drive onto Park Street, but your route will change as access will only be from St George’s Road. You can then exit Park Street at the top or bottom in the usual way. This would especially affect Great George Street.
A map showing motor vehicle access to Park Street and side roads
The University responded to consultation on the plans in 2022. The Council is not seeking feedback now. The next step is statutory consultation on all traffic regulation orders in the spring or summer. Following statutory consultation, construction work could begin as soon as late 2025. The University will continue to liaise with Bristol City Council.
Find out more, see the plans and watch a short film.
A4 Portway nighttime and weekend closures
26 Nov 2024
Just to let you know that Bristol City Council will need to close the A4 Portway in both directions for 10 nights and over one weekend early in the new year to remove ash trees infected with ash dieback, that are within falling distance of the road, using heavy machinery.
The work will take place over three phases:
Cumberland Basin flyover (Brunel Way A3029) will remain open throughout the works. However, during the weekend closures on 1 and 2 February, the slipways onto the A4 Portway will be closed. These include Bennett Way, Cabot Way, and a section of Cumberland Basin Road under Plimsoll Bridge.
Signage setting out the road closures will be in place ahead of the works and the diversionary routes for the three phases will be signposted.
A4 Portway closures for essential ash dieback tree works
Ash dieback is a fungal disease that is causing a widespread decline of common ash trees across the UK and Europe. It is spread from fungal spores carried by the wind, and little can be done to prevent it from spreading. Infected trees become weaker, which increases the risk of falling branches or trees.
Specialist officers have carried out a thorough assessment to make sure we are tackling diseased trees that are most likely to cause a problem to the road network.
The trees that are being removed will be processed into woodchip and used to fuel bio-mass boilers in various buildings, including some public buildings like schools and leisure centres.
The trees along the A4 Portway are self-seeded and grow in amongst other species, so we expect the gaps to be filled in naturally over time.
This work has been programmed with guidance from council ecologists, in agreement with Natural England, and the Forestry Commission will be licensing the work.
14 Nov 2024
Unfortunately, due to a burst water main in the centre there are going to be significant delays to the U1 &U2 bus service and likely missed trips due to significant congestion in the centre. There are diversions in place but no bus stops will be missed – just an elongated route. It is likely to still be an issue tomorrow. More information is available here.
05 November 2024
On both Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day, First Bus are offering free bus travel on their bus services (incl U1 & U2 services) to the Armed Forces community, including serving troops, veterans, and cadets.
Current and former military personnel can show the bus driver their Armed Forces ID, Veteran’s Badge, or wear their medals or uniform to claim free travel. We hope that the free travel helps them attend commemorative events to remember the service and sacrifice of their comrades.
Their drivers may pull over to observe the 2 minute silence at 11am on these days, so they kindly ask for you patience if you’re on board during this time.
Their buses will proudly display their poppies, contributing to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
25 October 2024
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With the evenings drawing in the University is encouraging staff and students who cycle to use good quality cycle lights when cycling at night so you can be seen by other vehicles on the road. You can buy good quality cycle lights (student discount available) from the Bristol SU shop or from Royal Fort lodge. To find out more about cycling at the University visit our cycling pages.
During this week the University's Security Services will be visiting the University's cycle parking facilities speaking to cyclists about cycle security and putting cycle seat covers in with cycle security leaflets within them. There will be:
16 October 2024
The next University open day will take place on Saturday 26 October.
This is the first open day the University has run during term time and we will be welcoming up to 25,000 visitors. The campus will be busier than usual, particularly the areas around Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road, Priory Road, Wills Memorial Building, the Victoria Rooms and the Richmond Building.
As in previous years, Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road will be closed to general traffic. There will be a one-way system in place from St Michael’s Hill, along Tyndall Avenue, turning right onto Woodland Road and exiting at Tyndall’s Park Road. Please note, it will not be possible to travel from one end of Woodland Road to the other, or to travel directly between Woodland Road and Priory Road.
Current Clifton Campus Staff parking permit holders and Disabled parking permit holders will receive an email with further information about access and parking within the closed roads shortly before the event.
Bus services
All bus services may experience some delays due to increased congestion around the Triangle. Campus Division is liaising with the principal contractor for the Park Row Improvement Scheme to try and minimise the works’ impact to open day pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Travel disruption
The road network around the Clifton Campus is currently being enhanced to incorporate new bus priority measures and infrastructure, new cycle lanes and improvements to pedestrian crossings. As a result during the peak travel periods , the area is subject to congestion and some short delays. Please therefore allow extra time to make your journeys.
Further information for Visitors to the Open Day can be found on the Undergraduate Open Days website
21 June 2024
From 3 – 18 July Network Rail will be replacing 14km of rail inside the Severn tunnel – their largest track renewal in the Severn Tunnel for many years.
Due to the surrounding salt water, the tunnel is a corrosive environment, meaning track has a shorter lifespan than in other areas. This work is essential to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of train services along this busy route.
Travel information
3 – 18 July trains between London Paddington and South Wales will be diverted via Gloucester. Please note that the diversion will add at least 1 hour to journey times.
Unlike previous closures of the Severn Tunnel, a very limited rail replacement bus service will be provided, so those travelling between Bristol and South Wales should travel by train via Gloucester instead.
A limited number of trains will be running between Bristol Parkway and London Paddington in the morning and the evening only.
Follow up work will take place on the following weekends, with the same travel arrangements in place:
Please allow extra time for your journey and check before you travel at: www.nationalrail.co.uk, www.GWR.com/SevernTunnel or www.Crosscountrytrains.co.uk
More information and sharing
Please see the Severn tunnel factsheet (PDF, 1,480kB), Severn tunnel passenger leaflet (PDF, 502kB) for further information about this work and implications for passengers.
There is also information online at www.networkrail.co.uk/south-gloucestershire/
Updates will be shared on our X/Twitter account @NetworkRailWest #SevernTunnel24 - here is an initial post you can go to, to re-share, if you would like to: https://x.com/networkrailwest/status/1803446854568247565
Looking ahead:
Please note Network Rail have additional work taking place this summer which might affect you:
11 June 2024
The June 2024 University open days this will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 June.
The University anticipates welcoming up to 25,000 visitors to this event, so the Clifton campus will be much busier than usual.
As in previous years, Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road will be closed to general traffic. There will be a one-way system in place from St Michael’s Hill, along Tyndall Avenue, turning right onto Woodland Road and exiting at Tyndall’s Park Road. Please note, it will not be possible to travel from one end of Woodland Road to the other, or to travel directly between Woodland Road and Priory Road.
Current Clifton Campus Staff parking permit holders and Disabled parking permit holders will receive an email with further information about access and parking within the closed roads shortly before the event.
The First Bus services 72 will divert via Queens Avenue, Elmdale Road and Tyndall’s Park Road in both directions.
Further information for Visitors to the Open Day can be found on the Undergraduate Open Days website
22nd April 2024
From Friday 1st March, First Bus introduced Revenue Protection Officers on board all their buses in the West of England.
Revenue protection officers will be regularly riding on their bus network to ensure everyone is travelling with a valid/ correctly issued ticket. Any tickets purchased from the driver must be retained throughout the journey, and any tickets on their First Bus App must be valid and ready to show.
When travelling, please have your ticket ready to show - this might be:
If you're unable to show a valid ticket to travel or the required ID for your ticket their Revenue Protection Officers will issue a standard fare charge of £50.
10 April 2024
We are recruiting two Transport Development Managers to help plan, develop and deliver transport facilities and services for the University. Find out more and apply on the University's website.
10 April 2024
Work is taking place to improve walking, cycling and public transport between the Triangle and the University’s Dorothy Hodgkin Building, along Park Row and Upper Maudlin Street. The Transport Team has consulted with stakeholders to try and minimise the impact on University operations (including open days and graduation days). There are a small number of road closures including the lower end of Woodland Road at the junction of Park Row. More information including the proposed road closure dates is available for staff on SharePoint.
4 March 2024
Fill in the Travel to Work Survey today for your chance to help local government decide how to invest in future transport schemes in the areas where you live and work, such as the TIER scooters & E-bikes schemes. It takes less than 5 minutes and you can enter a prize draw to win a £50 shopping voucher! The survey runs from 4th to 17th March 2024.
10 November 2024
The University’s 2023 Staff and Student Travel Survey is live from Wednesday 15 November until Wednesday 6 December 2023.
This is a chance for University of Bristol staff and students to let us know about how you travel to and from the University and what changes you'd like to see in the transport services available to help you get around.
The information you provide will help us improve journeys to and from campus for everyone and support the University in achieving its sustainability goals.
All University of Bristol staff and students are invited to take 5-10 minutes to complete the online questionnaire before the survey closes at midnight on Wednesday 6 December.
2 November 2023
On both Remembrance Day (11/11/2023) and Remembrance Sunday (12/11/2023) First Bus are offering free bus travel (including on the U1 and U2 services) across the West of England to the Armed Forces community, serving troops, veterans, and cadets. They can travel for free to attend commemorative events to remember the service and sacrifice of their comrades.
To claim free travel, all current and former military personnel should show the driver their Armed Forces ID or wear their medals or uniform.
Our drivers may pull over to carry out a 2 minute silence at 11am on these days, so please be patient if you are on the bus.
Find out more.
4 August 2023 - road traffic update
The M4 and M5 will each have a one-lane road closure around the Almondsbury interchange (junction 16) to facilitate an upgrade - delays might be likely.
2 August 2023
The final University open day this year will take place on Saturday 9 September 2023
The University anticipates welcoming up to 25,000 visitors to this event, so the Clifton campus will be much busier than usual.
As in previous years, Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road will be closed to general traffic. There will be a one-way system in place from St Michael’s Hill, along Tyndall Avenue, turning right onto Woodland Road and exiting at Tyndall’s Park Road. Please note, it will not be possible to travel from one end of Woodland Road to the other, or to travel directly between Woodland Road and Priory Road.
Current Clifton Campus Staff parking permit holders and Disabled parking permit holders will receive an email with further information about access and parking within the closed roads shortly before the event.
The First Bus services 72 will divert via Queens Avenue, Elmdale Road and Tyndall’s Park Road in both directions.
Further information for Visitors to the Open Day can be found on the Undergraduate Open Days website
26 June 2023
Register for The Big Bristol Travel Challenge today! It is a great way to get active this July! Leave your car at home and walk, ride, run, skate, scoot or take public transport for more of your everyday journeys. The challenge is a fun, free tool to help you boost your health and wellbeing this July and win prizes! Everyone who lives or works in Bristol can take part and there’s lots of help and encouragement available throughout the month.
University of Bristol Open Days
12 June 2023
The University open days this year will take place on Friday 16 June, Saturday 17 June and Saturday 9 September.
The University anticipates welcoming up to 25,000 visitors to this event, so the Clifton campus will be much busier than usual.
As in previous years, Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road will be closed to general traffic. There will be a one-way system in place from St Michael’s Hill, along Tyndall Avenue, turning right onto Woodland Road and exiting at Tyndall’s Park Road. Please note, it will not be possible to travel from one end of Woodland Road to the other, or to travel directly between Woodland Road and Priory Road.
Current Clifton Campus Staff parking permit holders and Disabled parking permit holders will receive an email with further information about access and parking within the closed roads during w/c 5 September.
The First Bus services 72 will divert via Queens Avenue, Elmdale Road and Tyndall’s Park Road in both directions.
Further information for Visitors to the Open Day can be found on the Undergraduate Open Days website
4 May 2023
The Bike Month Challenge runs throughout May. It’s a fun, free, campaign from Love to Ride which encourages and supports people to cycle. The University of Bristol is registered, so get on your bike, log your rides and be in with a chance of winning one of the amazing prizes, including a £2,000 cash grand prize! Find out more and sign up here.
4 May 2023
The staff parking permit application window for the 2023/2024 permit year beginning 1 August 2023, will open on the 1 June and close at 5pm on Friday 23 June 2023. Information on Clifton Campus (Precinct) staff needs-based parking and how to apply can be found on the staff car parking webpages.
4 May 2023
Bristol City Council is currently advertising a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the re-opening of the southern end of University Road (off the Triangle) to motorised traffic. Details of the TRO and how to comment can be found here (ref: CAE/NMT/P-1262).
Updated 9 May 2023: The University of Bristol's letter of objection (PDF, 244kB), submitted to BCC's Traffic Regulation Orders Team on the 9 May 2023
4 April 2023
The University offers a number of staff and student travel benefits (PDF, 150kB) that have been negotiated through third party transport providers.
1 March 2023, updated 6 March 2023
The annual Travelwest Travel to Work survey is open 6 - 12 March 2023. Please help the West of England Local Councils make investment decisions about future transport schemes, and assist the University in developing its transport strategy, by completing the survey. In return, you will have the opportunity to be entered into a draw to win one a £50 shopping voucher.
www.travelwest.info/survey/uob (University of Bristol Staff and PGRs only)
16 January 2023
The University of Bristol Staff Engagement Team is delighted to announce their upcoming Physical Health Festival for all staff. It is a week-long roadshow of in-person and virtual workshops, talks, taster sessions, health kiosks, a stallholder’s exhibition and much more! The festival takes place 23-27 January 2023
The week-long program of events includes a stallholders Exhibition in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building at which the Sustainability Transport team will have a stand.
Find out further info by seaching 'Physical Health Festival' on Develop and by visiting the Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Sharepoint site
Join Travelwest's Superuser group and help to revolutionise the way people travel in the region for the better.
The West of England Combined Authority is building a new travel platform so that local people can easily plan, book, and pay for transport throughout the region. They expect to launch early next year.
They’re looking for around 150 people who travel around the region by walking, bike, bus, train, scooter, ferry, car, or even skateboard to trial the platform and become ‘Superusers’ – refining and perfecting the service and helping to shape its future. Superusers will get exclusive early access to the platform and see how this revolution in mobility happens, first hand. Register now to become a Superuser
John Brenton has taken on the role of Interim Head of Sustainability. John was previously the Sustainability Manager (Analyis) within Campus Division.
During the festive period, between 24 December 2022 and 2 January 2023, First Bus will be operating their Christmas and New Year timetables.
For more information visit the First Bus website
8 December 2022
Further rail strikes are planned over the Christmas period, which is likely to cause major distruption.
For more information visit the GWR website
8 December 2022
After nearly 22 years of service, Martin Wiles, Head of Sustainability is leaving the University in January to take up a post at the University of Surrey. Team Transport thanks Martin for his assistance, and all of his hard work and contribution to Campus Division and the University over the years.
10 November 2022
Bus operator First West of England is offering free travel on all its services to serving Armed Forces personnel, cadets and veterans on Remembrance Day (Friday 11th November), and Remembrance Sunday (13th November), so they can attend commemorative events. The offer includes the Unibus U1 and U2 services, Park & Ride, metrobus and the Airport Flyer services.
For further information, visit the First Bus webpage
3 November 2022
Bristol moves+ is a free app that rewards University of Bristol students and staff for being more active, more often. Using incentives such as free hot drink vouchers, apparel and other rewards, Moves+ users will be motivated to increase their daily activity and suseqently benefit from the positive impact of being more active in their daily lives.
For more information, visit the Bristol moves + webpage
3 November 2022
Bristol's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will start on Monday 28 November 2022. Visit the CAZ page for advice on how the CAZ might affect your commuting and other private car journeys, and the exemptions and other support available from the council.
3 November 2022
Trades unions have announced industrial action at a number of train companies, including GWR and Network Rail, on Saturday 5, Monday 8 and Wednesday 9 November.
On these days train services will be severely disrupted and some parts of the GWR network will have no train service at all. Train services on the days following the industrial action will also be disrupted.
For more information visit the GWR website
7 November 2022
UPDATE: Strike action has been called off, however the services will still be severely disrupted, with some parts of the network having no service.
14 October 2022
The interim staff parking permit application window for the current 2022/23 permit year will open on Monday 24 October and close at 5 pm on Friday 18 November. You can find information on the Clifton Campus (Precinct) staff needs-based parking policy, parking charges and how to apply on the staff car parking webpages. University of Bristol staff only.
6 October 2022
From Sunday 9 October, most bus services which go into Bristol City Centre will be relocating, including the Unibus U1 and U2 services.
For more information on how your service will be affected, please visit the First Bus website. On this page you can also click on the service number to view the latest timetable and route map.
The changes to the U1 service bus stops can be viewed on the U1 timtable map
The changes to the U2 service bus stops can be viewed on the U2 timetable map
5 October 2022
This October, Travelwest are challenging everyone in Bristol to try new ways of getting around – whether that’s by taking the bus, walking, scooting, cycling or car sharing more often.
Changing just a few of your journeys each week can help you save money, improve the air we all breathe, and help you feel great.
You can join the challenge under the University of Bristol, a specific team or as an individual. Just log the journeys that you travel, set targets and encourage each other along the way. There are amazing prizes to be won for anyone who takes part.
For more information visit the Active October challenge website
29 September 2022
Trades unions have announced industrial action at a number of train companies, including GWR and Network Rail, on Saturday 1, Wednesday 5, Thursday 6, Friday 7, and Saturday 8 October.
On these days train services will be severely disrupted and some parts of the GWR network will have no train service at all. Train services on the days following the industrial action will also be disrupted.
For more information visist the GWR website
20 Sept 2022
From Sunday 25th September, First are making changes to fares across the West of England. The changes include:
For more information visit the First website
16 Sept 2022
Network Rail will be working on bridges and track in Somerset, North Somerset and South Bristol as follows:
This work is essential maintenance to ensure the continued safe and reliable running of the railway and involves working 24/7 throughout the six-day period.
For more information about the work please see the attached factsheet or got to the Network Rail web page www.networkrail.co.uk/huntspill
From 18 – 23 September:
If you are travelling along the affected route during this time, please plan your journey, allow extra time and check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.GWR.com/Bristol
16 Sept 2022
Following the announcement of a National Bank Holiday for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, First Bus will operate the following:
Passengers are advised to plan their journey in advance. Please refer to the relevant Sunday/Public Holiday timetable for your service.
1 Sept 2022
The world’s biggest group ride is here and all you have to do to take part is ride your bike!
Whether you’re rolling out with your co-workers or going solo, let’s get more people discovering the joy of riding. Log your rides to earn points, climb the leaderboard, and win prizes!
For more infomation and to register against the University of Bristol, visit the Cycle September.
31 Aug 2022
The railway in and around Bristol is being transformed over the next few years to pave the way for more rail services so we can move more people, more reliably. Improvements to the tracks and signalling in the area will ease congestion and enable us to run more trains in the future.
More rail improvement work will be taking place this summer affecting trains via Bristol Parkway as well as train services between Bristol and South Wales.
For further information, visit the GWR website
25 Aug 2022
The University's Open Day will take place on Saturday 10 September 2022.
The University anticipates welcoming up to 25,000 visitors to this event, so the Clifton campus will be much busier than usual.
Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road will be closed to general traffic to allow the Open Day shuttle bus service to operate. There will also be a one-way system in place from St Michael’s Hill, along Tyndall Avenue, turning right onto Woodland Road and exiting at Tyndall’s Park Road. Please note that it will not be possible to travel from one end of Woodland Road to the other, or to travel directly between Woodland Road and Priory Road.
Current Clifton Campus Staff parking permit holders and Disabled parking permit holders will receive an email with further information about access and parking within the closed roads during w/c 5 September.
The First Bus services 72 will divert via Queens Avenue, Elmdale Road and Tyndall’s Park Road in both directions.
Further information for Visitors to the Open Day can be found on the Undergraduate Open Days website
7 July 2022
On Monday 28 November 2022, the delayed Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will launch in Bristol. Full details, including how to check whether your vehicle will be charged if it enters the zone, and possible financial support is available on Bristol City Council's website.
The University’s transport team (part of Campus Division) is continuing to deliver their Cleaner Fleet Programme to support departments in adapting their fleet transport operations to the CAZ.
