A Somerset councillor has called for future major roadworks on the A39 near Minehead to be scheduled at night, following months of significant disruption to local traffic.
Work began in early January to replace the outdated traffic signals at the Dunster Steep junction, a key intersection connecting the A39 between Minehead and Williton with the A396 towards Tiverton. The upgrade was completed ahead of schedule on April 1, just in time for the Easter weekend surge in visitors to West Somerset’s coast.
Councillor Marcus Kravis, who represents the Dunster division and has been a vocal critic of the lengthy delays, described the prolonged traffic jams as “embarrassing” and insisted the council must adopt less obstructive methods in the future. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the project’s completion, he emphasized the relief felt by residents and local businesses.
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“It’s not just about me as their councillor; it’s about everyone who travels to and from Minehead every day,” said Mr Kravis. He detailed how the delays sparked a deluge of constituent complaints, with around 80 percent of recent communications concerning the disruption. “People were constantly asking, ‘What is going on?’” he added.
Mr Kravis recounted incidents where people missed important appointments due to underestimated delays, noting one case where a physiotherapy session was missed because a 20-minute delay turned into 40 minutes. Given his own businesses near the junction—the Arkade on Minehead seafront and the Anchor’s Drop holiday lets in Blue Anchor—he understands firsthand the toll such disruptions take on commerce and daily life.
The councillor highlighted how delivery schedules for local services were thrown into chaos, emphasizing that residents had to adjust their daily routines significantly. Similar disruption was experienced during 2022-2023 when a £1 million upgrade of the nearby cycle link caused lengthy delays. A planned extension of that cycle path to Carhampton was canceled in 2025, despite £1.5 million of central government funding, though Mr Kravis remains committed to seeing it completed.
He advocated for more night-time working to reduce daytime traffic impacts. “The A39 is the sole route into Minehead and is heavily trafficked. We need to reconsider how we carry out these essential works.” He urged the council to incorporate night shifts into roadwork plans to prevent future chaos.
Mr Kravis also expressed concern about the economic impact of the delays amidst rising fuel costs and the wider cost of living crisis, warning of a challenging tourist season ahead. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about the region’s attractions and urged visitors to experience West Somerset’s diverse accommodations and scenic beauty.
Responding to the disruption, Councillor Richard Wilkins, cabinet member for transport and waste services, defended the necessity of replacing the failing 30-year-old traffic lights. He praised the accelerated completion of the works ahead of the busy Easter period and thanked the community for their patience.
“Doing nothing wasn’t an option,” said Mr Wilkins. “By completing the upgrade now, we’ve ensured the junction is more resilient and efficient for the future.”