Bridgwater’s ambitious £9 million Celebration Mile project, aimed at creating a safer, car-free route linking Northgate Docks to the town’s railway station, is facing significant delays. The roadworks, which began on Eastover in August 2024, are now expected to extend into early autumn due to unforeseen “underground issues” requiring key elements of the plan to be redesigned.
Currently, construction is underway at three primary sites within Bridgwater’s town centre, including restricted pedestrian access along Angel Crescent and Clare Street. These disruptions have taken a heavy toll on local businesses, leading Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, leader of the opposition Conservative group, to demand a definitive completion date at a council executive meeting on June 4. Rodrigues highlighted a staggering drop of 400,000 in footfall over the past year, a decline he attributes largely to the prolonged and intrusive roadworks.
The council acknowledges that hidden underground utilities uncovered during construction have caused delays and necessitated design changes, a complication echoed in other local projects like Yeovil’s Yeovil Refresh scheme. Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, explained that such unforeseen “unknown unknowns” are a known risk in complex urban projects, particularly when working within commercial streets. The need to liaise with third-party service providers and the rejection of substandard materials have further pushed back the timetable.
Despite these challenges, the council aims to finish work by mid-September, with target completion dates set for September 15 on Eastover and August 26 on Angel Crescent and Clare Street. However, ongoing design adjustments, especially on Salmon Parade, East Quay, and Town Bridge, may extend the timeline. The council plans an innovative above-ground installation method for these areas to avoid further underground complications and reduce costs.
Parallel to construction woes, Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox has sharply criticized the council’s handling of the project during a parliamentary debate, linking the extended roadworks to a surge in business rates and increased financial pressure on small traders. He called on the government to offer greater support to affected businesses, describing the situation in Eastover as “desperate” and warning of potential permanent closures.
To address public concerns, Bridgwater Community Church will host a drop-in session on June 12 from 4pm to 7pm. Attended by contractors and local councillors, this event invites residents and business owners to ask questions and provide feedback on the project’s next phases.