Bristol commuters face snowy nightmare
Commuters battling their way to work were faced with roads blocked, traffic at a standstill and public transport services suspended.
Bridge Valley Road leading to the Suspension Bridge was closed and lorries stuck on the A37 near the Bush pub in Totterdown caused severe delays.
The A369 was blocked by heavy snow near Dennyview Road, Abbots Leigh and a jack-knifed Somerfield lorry on Blackboy Hill, Clifton, near the former Woolworths store, led to long queues in Whiteladies Road.
First suspended bus services and the company was reviewing the situation every half-an-hour.
Geoff Clarkson, assistant manager at Wessex Connect said only six of its 90-strong fleet of buses were on the road today.
He said: “We are running a very limited 902 service from the Portway park-and-ride as well as the 903 from the Long Ashton site. We are getting people into Bristol City Centre.
“These are the only services were are able to operate, but for safety reasons we were force to withdraw the rest of our services.”
Mike Russ, operations manager for South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach, said: “The only service we have been able to get on the road is the 462 from Emersons Green to the city centre.
“All the services for South Gloucestershire schools have been cancelled, as have all of our private hire runs.”
It was better news on the region’s major routes.
Robin Miller, spokesman for the Highways Agency, said: “All of the motorways in the Bristol region and the major trunk roads are up and running, althought traffic is moving slower.”
Flights from Bristol International Airport were cancelled early this morning and the situation was being reviewed at 10.30am.
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by Mark, Georgetown, Ontario, Canada
Saturday, February 07 2009, 12:59AM
“These pages have given me the best laugh I have had all week!
Try real winter for five months, snow, ice, wind and cold. Yesterdays high was -13 degC and the low was -29. Hey, I'd trade for a winter that lasted a couple of days anytime!”
by Martin, Clifton
Saturday, February 07 2009, 12:05AM
“Panic Stricken 2, I walked/cycled to work today, along roads that were closed to motor traffic. I would not have been able to get to work in car as Whiteladies was impassable.
However although many motorists showed consideration to other road users, there were still too many driving to fast, and far too close in treacherous conditions.”
by Steve, Cotham
Friday, February 06 2009, 9:12PM
“I wasnt cycling to work as I had a small child to look after today. Spent 8-9 am helping cars stuck on my hill. Some cars made it up, those with rear wheel drives had problems, especially those with illegally bald tyres. Everyone was very friendly, it was big adventure for the city.”
by Claire, Bedminster
Friday, February 06 2009, 7:17PM
“Panic Stricken 2, bristol - No, my mode of getting to and from work is not totally stricken in this weather. Biked in yesterday and today, bit slippery but took it carefully and was fine.
The thing I am really angry about are the motorists who drove past me at speed, covering me in 2 inches of dirty slush and beeping to get me to get out of the way.
What happened to showing other road users a bit of consideration?
(and yes, i am a car driver, motorbike rider and horse rider so have a perspective of road usage from multiple points of view before anyone jumps down my throat at the cyclist Vs car driver issue).”
by Bristol Traffic Blog, Bristol
Friday, February 06 2009, 6:01PM
“Round Cotham/Kingsdown, it was the bikes that had the edge over the cars. A key reason being you can always get out and walk.
I have some lovely photographs of a series of cars ignoring the road closed signs on St Michael's Hill. On a snowy day, these drivers were ignoring the police signs saying "dont do this". I wonder if your insurance company pays up when you toast your car after ignoring a road closed sign?”
by Panic Stricken 2, bristol
Friday, February 06 2009, 5:14PM
“Our wonderful cyclists seem to be very quiet on this one - is it because their mode of transport has been shown to be utterly useless in this weather?”
by Wendy, Brislington
Friday, February 06 2009, 4:58PM
“Well done to the trusty Abus who still ran the Keynsham to Bristol City service on Thurs and Fri despite the snow. An A1 company offering a great service at a half the price of First - £1 single flat rate. I'd rather walk than get on a Firstbus.”
by I.R KITTEH, Bristol
Friday, February 06 2009, 4:41PM
“isn't it time to start to Looting”
by Amy, Bristol
Friday, February 06 2009, 4:27PM
“Does anyone know if the junction outside the cross hands pub, bedminster down is ok now? Not sure how to get home if not!
Good ole Bristol Water - sounds like at least one company had enough grit!!”
by Alex, Redcliffe
Friday, February 06 2009, 4:10PM
“I managed to get to work in Swindon today and had a 45min walk from the station because the buses were not running. Some people are just lazy. If you can't drive, use your bloody legs!”