Bridgwater residents are gearing up to discuss three significant sets of roadworks that will shape the town for over a year. These projects include the development of the Celebration Mile in the town centre, the £10.7m upgrade to the Dunball roundabout near junction 23 of the M5, and improvements associated with the construction of the Agratas gigafactory within the nearby Gravity enterprise zone.
In response to the concerns of residents and businesses, Somerset Council has organized a public drop-in event at Bridgwater Town Hall on November 20. It aims to address fears and provide clarity regarding the roadworks projects. The infrastructure upgrades need to be completed within strict deadlines to align with government funding requirements.
Residents can expect traffic restrictions along the A39 Bath Road from Crandon Bridge and the A39 Puriton Hill as work progresses. To alleviate the disruptions, a two-way traffic flow will be reinstated on the A39 Bath Road from November 15 to December 19, with a one-way system in place on the A39 Puriton Hill during the same period. This will be followed by a break in restrictions from December 19 to January 10, 2025, providing relief for the Christmas period.
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In addition to the scheduled roadworks, improvement work on Hurdle Way in Taunton will also temporarily pause for two weeks to accommodate the festive season.
The roadworks at Dunball officially begin with temporary traffic lights and lane closures from November 11, continuing throughout 2024. Furthermore, three sets of overnight closures are expected in early 2025 on the A39, with diversions in place to manage the traffic flow.
The ongoing roadworks are strategically timed to align with other projects, with little room for error due to potential delays from factors such as inclement weather and supply chain disruptions.
The improvement work spans various sections, with the Eastover section of the Celebration Mile expected to be completed in the summer of 2025. Meanwhile, the Angel Crescent section and Clare Street are also set to undergo enhancements.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, the portfolio holder for transport and waste services, encourages the public to utilize the drop-in event on November 20 to seek clarity on the projects and understand their long-term benefits for Bridgwater. The event will provide an opportunity for residents to engage with councillors, officers, and contractors involved in these significant infrastructure developments.