News from South Gloucestershire Council:
Dear all,
The Linking the Greens project is being delivered to enhance and promote sustainable travel in the Emersons Green and Lyde Green areas, and improve connections between the two communities, which sit either side of the A4174 Avon Ring Road.
The plans involve enhancing Newlands Bridge over the A4174 Avon Ring Road, in addition to improving the walking and cycling routes either side of the bridge to better link Lyde Green with the Emersons Green retail park. Construction of a flexi pave path between Newlands Bridge and Acorn Drive, on the Lyde Green side, with new street lighting and stone artwork features was completed before Christmas 2025.
From Tuesday 7th April 2026, construction works will commence on the Emersons Green side of the bridge to complete the following improvements:
• new asphalt path
• new flexi pave paths
• new concrete steps
• amenity grass turfing, wildflower and tree planting
• upgraded street lighting
• 4m high bronze sculpture
For the safety of the public and to ensure the works can be completed in a timely fashion without unreasonable delay, Emersons Green Skate Park and the entire construction site, will be closed and securely fenced off for the duration of the works, which are expected to last until the end of July 2026.
The decision to close the skate park was made following consultation with the Council’s Open Spaces team who manage this asset. Ensuring public safety and protection of the smooth skate park surfaces are essential – temporarily closing the facility whilst the construction works take place achieves this whilst also allowing for a shorter programme duration and more efficient use of resources. Whilst the temporary closure is regrettable the resulting improvements will completely transform the area around the skate park with improved access and greatly enhanced surroundings, helping to highlight the Newlands Bridge link to communities on both side of the A4174 Ring Road and the presence of the skate park and retail facilities on the Emersons Green side.
Part of the public right of way that runs between Betts Green and Newlands Bridge will be closed during some of the works – when that’s required clear diversion signage will be in place for users to follow a short alternative route.
Information boards will be erected on site highlighting the outline design of the improvements and how the public can find out more about the works.
The plan below shows the proposals for the improvements.
For more information on the background of the project see: https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/linking-the-greens/
