Work to renew traffic lights and crossings across Somerset as part of a multi-million package returns to Bridgwater later this month.
The Somerset County Council scheme, which is a key component in the town’s Celebration Mile project, will see major upgrades to traffic signals at the Broadway/St John’s Street junction as well as the zebra crossings on Broadway near Blake Place being replaced with new puffin crossings.
The work at the Broadway junction with St John’s Street will also include a new parallel crossing, allowing cyclists to get across this busy junction in one movement, alongside an improved pedestrian crossing.
Last year signals recovery works were completed on Westonzoyland Road in the town.
The multi-million traffic signals recovery programme is replacing signals at the end of their working life in towns across Somerset.
Work, which commences 15 January and is expected to conclude in the summer, will include resurfacing of a significant section of Broadway, including Monmouth Street, the top of St John’s Street and up to Salmon Parade. The signals recovery team has also worked alongside Virgin Media to allow the broadband provider to carry out works during this period ensuring further works are not required at a later date.
Traffic management will need to be in place during the work and some disruption is likely at peak times, but the team will be working with the contractor to minimise this as much as possible.
Bridgwater’s ambitious Celebration Mile scheme is a multi-agency Town Deal partnership project to create a pedestrian and cycle friendly route from the railway station through to the retail core and on to the Northgate mixed-use commercial quarter, ending at the Docks, taking in the history of Bridgwater.
Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby said: “This is significant investment in essential infrastructure which ensures our network is fit for purpose for many years to come.
“But more than this, the improved signalling, and crossings greatly will improve access for cyclists and pedestrians supporting the development of Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile on part of the key route from the train station.
“We’ll be working closely with local businesses and the community to ensure they have all the information they need, and disruption is kept to a minimum.”
Somerset County Council’s highways team recently netted the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transport highly commended status for its Taunton Rowbarton scheme in the CIHT 2022 awards. The scheme was recognised for its exemplar collaboration practices with partners and the community.
For more information on the signals recovery programme visit the Somerset County Council website – Travel Somerset
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If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily by visiting the Somerset County Council website.
