Business West, the organisation that runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, is backing the South Bristol Link Road scheme ahead of a council meeting today which could decide in its fate.
The application for the project – which Business West believes is for economic growth and would help regenerate the south of the city – goes before North Somerset Council planning committee later today. 
The road, which has been on the drawing board for many years, would link the A370 near Long Ashton to the Cater Road roundabout in Hartcliffe.
Business West says it would provide a fast and efficient public transport link between North Somerset and South Bristol, the city centre and the north of Bristol – so unlocking the potential of run-down parts of the city and making it easier for people in some of its worst job blackspots to travel to areas with employment opportunities.
Business West director James Durie said: “We have been fully behind the campaign to make the South Bristol Link a reality for many years.
“Local businesses, residence and our members tell us that transport and access is a key issue. We strongly believe that the South Bristol Link is a vital piece of missing infrastructure which is of huge importance to our local economy.
“With the money and political support in place, we now have an opportunity to make this a reality – this is a chance that we many never have again.”
Business West says the South Bristol link will:
- Ease traffic problems in small rural villages in North Somerset and parts of South Bristol
- Improve transport links to and from Bristol Airport
- Improve public transport with dedicated bus, cycle and pedestrian lanes for North Somerset and Bristol
- Make travelling to places of work in the city centre and other areas easier for North Somerset and Bristol residents and businesses as well as to key facilities such as South Bristol Hospital
- Create thousands of jobs by unlocking South Bristol and the wider area to new investment and opportunities
Business West says the scheme, which has very wide support from residents and business across North Somerset, South Bristol and the wider city, is vital to North Somerset, Bristol and the West of England and Business West and is urging the committee to support the application.
The Bristol element of the scheme will be decided by Bristol City Council’s planning committee later this month.
