A broken gas main has closed several roads across Bristol city centre and triggered Bristol news that is now disrupting travel, homes and evening plans. Avon & Somerset police said the response is under way as emergency services deal with the incident.
The cordon runs from the St James Barton Roundabout at the Bearpit past the Bristol Royal Infirmary up to Clifton Triangle and through the centre. Roads from St James Barton Roundabout through to Park Row, Park Street and Anchor Road are closed, while residents on Colston Street were being evacuated from their homes and rooms.
St James Barton Roundabout closures
Avon Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response, with three main emergency services attending the scene. Traffic was already building on Bond Street, at the bottom of the M32 and on Anchor Road from Hotwells, adding to the pressure on routes into Bristol city centre.
The damaged main has also badly affected bus services. First Bus routes in Bristol were disrupted, and services from Bristol Bus Station, including Megabus, the Falcon and National Express, were affected as the closure spread across the Bearpit-to-city-centre stretch.
Bristol Beacon evacuation
Bristol Beacon was evacuated as a precaution because the damaged gas main is near the venue. The venue said travel into the city centre is currently not advised, even though it has two events scheduled for tonight: Arooj Aftab & London Contemporary Orchestra in Beacon Hall and Michel Padron’s Afro Cuban Orchestra in Lantern Hall.
Bristol Beacon said it will update later this afternoon on whether the performances can go ahead. For anyone heading into the centre, the practical step is simple: avoid the closed roads and wait for the venue’s update before travelling.
