Bristol Airport unveils new road layout as part of huge expansion

Those frequenting Bristol Airport would have recently observed a significant alteration to the vehicle entry and exit system at the site. The North Somerset airport is currently undergoing a substantial transformation as part of a £400 million scheme aimed at enhancing facilities in line with a major expansion that will accommodate 12 million passengers.

The project has seen continuous work over the past year to construct a new £60m public transport interchange and multi-storey car park at the airport. The initiative is designed to "transform the entrance to the airport" as it nears its 70th anniversary (in 2027).

As part of these works, a fresh internal road layout was implemented from September this year. Diversions are presently in place during this period as a portion of Northside Road is closed to enable the construction of a new pedestrian bridge, offering level access to the terminal building. Moreover, the first roundabout (upon exiting the A38) has been removed, as BristolLive reports.

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The updated route for entering the airport will guide vehicles around the rear of the development along a newly established perimeter road. Cars will turn left towards the Hampton by Hilton hotel, where drivers can reach the hotel, the existing multi-storey, short stay and pick up car parks.

At the roundabout near the hotel, if drivers proceed straight over, they will arrive at the drop and go, and meet and greet car parks. To depart from the airport, all traffic will utilise the perimeter road where a new acoustic fence has been installed.

The path to the Silver Zone and free waiting area remains unaltered, with the courtesy bus shuttle from car rentals continuing to drop passengers outside the terminal. The forecourt will also stay open for the Airport Flyer bus services and car park buses.

Bristol Airport has confirmed that the current road system will persist until the permanent route is inaugurated, which is planned for autumn 2025.

A Bristol Airport spokesperson said: “There will be signage at key points along the route to help familiarise customers and clearly indicate where to travel. We have also produced a video that people using the Airport can watch to familiarise themselves. As the road is a red route, no stopping is permitted, and traffic calming is in place in the interest of safety.

“The location of the car parks has not changed, but if any customers are unsure where to go, they should follow the signage. They can also drive into any car park, and around to the exit barrier, where they can press the help button and speak to a member of the team for further directions. Customers should have their booking reference to hand.”

What is happening within the £400 million plan?

The ongoing development is part of a £400 million plan to enhance the airport and make it easier and more convenient for passengers. The first phase of this plan was completed in June when new technology, costing £11.5 million, was introduced to improve screening and make security more customer-friendly.

The £60 million development will include building an additional multi-storey car park which will join up to the existing multi-storey, providing more than 2000 new spaces. Pedestrians will be able to use a new glazed bridge link which will connect the car parks to the terminal - with pedestrians being shielded from the weather and the flat surface allowing a better ease of access.

Meanwhile, a new transport hub will be built on the top level of the car park and will offer 10 new bays for coaches and buses. It would double the existing number of bays. The top level will also become a dedicated drop off and pick up location.

In October it was revealed that a convenience store would be created within the transport hub and that Bristol Airport had invited supermarket chains to put forward bids for the new store. The hub itself should be open by August 2025.

How about in the future?

CEO Dave Lees said that the airport would be launching a consultation on a plan to increase the number of passengers it can handle each year, beyond the 12 million a year total it now has permission to facilitate. It is expected to lodge a formal planning application in the New Year.

Speaking to ITV West, Mr Lees said: “We'll come forward in a timely manner and consult with people, of course, taking views from people as we look to fulfil the demand from passengers in the future. We constantly look at trends in air travel and what we've been really pleasantly surprised by is that people really do want to continue to travel.”

Over the next few years, the terminal will be increased by 70 percent as new restaurants, retail offerings and casual eating options will become available. Mr Lees said: “There will be a range of casual dining options including more restaurants as well as increasing the size of our lounges for those wanting a quieter location to relax. In addition, over the next three years as part of the terminal improvements, we will also be substantially increasing the immigration area, baggage reclaim hall and the number of baggage reclaim units.”