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Balloon Fiesta Travel Update - Saturday 11th August


Heavy traffic is expected in Bristol on Saturday (11 August) with the Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol City Football Club's first game of the season both taking place, and Bristol City Council has been working hard to ensure traffic congestion is kept to a minimum.

With thousands of extra visitors expected to head to Bristol, the council has been working with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, North Somerset Council, Bristol City FC and the police, to ensure the city keeps on the move.

A series of special measures are to be introduced and the Balloon Fiesta organisers have amended their traffic management plans to accommodate the expected increase in traffic.

A 'clearway' will be introduced on the Cumberland Basin area, from the city boundary on the A370 along Brunel Way to the Plimsoll Swing Bridge. The clearway will also include all entry/exit slip roads onto Brunel Way. Cars parked on the clearway will be towed away.

The city council, which has a legal duty to open the swing bridge to boats entering or leaving the floating harbour, is working with boat owners to minimise movements through the Cumberland Basin on that day. There remains a possibility that the bridge will have to open at some point during the Fiesta weekend, as has been the case in previous years.

Additional pre-booked parking will be made available for Bristol City fans in the Balloon Fiesta 'yellow' car park, which is reserved for pre-booked ticket holders. This car park is just a short walk from Ashton Gate stadium and tickets for this car park are valid all day.

There is also car parking available through 'Youcanpark' at the Cala Trading Estate off Winterstoke Road, near to the Ship and Castle pub. Parking costs £3.50 per car and can be booked by phoning 0871 200 3261.

Temporary signs will be installed on all the approaches to Ashton Gate and the Cumberland Basin which will include directions to car parks. Police and stewards will be on hand to direct traffic on the day.