The future of Bridgwater’s much-anticipated Celebration Mile remains uncertain following nearly a year of extensive roadworks. The project, led by contractor Taylor Woodrow and backed by a £9 million government-supported Bridgwater town deal, aims to establish a continuous walking and cycling route connecting Bridgwater railway station to the Northgate Docks.
Somerset Council has come under increasing criticism due to ongoing construction delays and numerous road closures, which have disrupted local businesses and daily commutes. Opposition councillors and local MP Sir Ashley Fox have urged the council to reconsider key aspects of the project. In response, council leader Bill Revans announced a review of a critical section of the route in late October.
While major work on the Angel Crescent, Clare Street, and Eastover sections—central parts of the Celebration Mile funded by the town deal—is nearing completion, the eastern terminus near the railway station currently lacks secured funding to reach completion. Several sections of the route were accessible before roadworks began in August 2024, including the pedestrianized Fore Street and areas developed by Sedgemoor District Council as part of the Northgate Yard regeneration, which includes new leisure facilities.
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The Eastover section introduced a controversial traffic change, converting East Quay, Salmon Parade, and Eastover streets to one-way routes, drawing criticism from Conservative Councillor Diogo Rodrigues. He highlighted increased travel difficulties and the loss of free parking, replaced by a cycle lane. Labour opposition leader Councillor Leigh Redman has proposed modifications aimed at restoring two-way travel while maintaining pedestrian safety—a proposal he says has been repeatedly opposed by successive project managers.
Despite opposition from local cycling advocates who recommend the scheme be left unchanged to settle, Council Leader Revans pledged to consult with residents, businesses, and local representatives to identify necessary improvements. He acknowledged inherited issues from previous Conservative-led administrations but emphasized the council’s responsibility to resolve them.
Looking ahead, attention will shift to completing the route’s termini. Northgate Docks is set to undergo a £5.2 million regeneration, including a £1 million allocation for enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure. Plans involve creating a shared-use path linking the docks, Linham Road cycle link, and key transport corridors, complemented by bridge repairs and marina development with reduced boat capacity to 33 narrowboats.
On the opposite end, the stretch from Broadway crossroads to the railway station along St. John’s Street remains unfunded for upgrades. Town Councillor Mick Lerry suggests exploring funding opportunities connected to the nearby Gravity ‘gigafactory’ development, drawing parallels to past infrastructure investments linked to Hinkley Point C and the town deal. He emphasizes that current pedestrian and cycling conditions on St. John’s Street are inadequate, with narrow pavements and limited cycling lanes, and believes improvements could enhance safety and accessibility for residents and commuters.
As Bridgwater continues to evolve, the completion and refinement of the Celebration Mile will be critical in shaping a more connected, accessible town—provided that funding and design challenges can be effectively addressed.