Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile, a key town centre project, will remain unchanged until at least October after Somerset Council postponed decisions on altering current traffic arrangements.
The £9 million scheme, funded by central government, includes one-way systems installed on Eastover, East Quay, and Salmon Parade, intended to enhance visitor experiences and improve walking and cycling routes between Bridgwater railway station and Northgate Docks. However, canceling upgrades at Cross Rifles roundabout and the new traffic patterns have intensified congestion, prompting frustration among residents and businesses.
Following a December 2025 council motion and months of traffic data analysis, Somerset Council’s executive committee met in Taunton to consider possible adjustments. Yet, councillors voted to delay any decisions until further public consultations conclude, with outcomes expected by autumn, delaying potential changes until after Christmas.
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The Celebration Mile concept dates back over a decade to the 2009 Bridgwater Vision and was initially approved by the former Sedgemoor District and Somerset County Councils. Recent council efforts include restoring parking on Salmon Parade and conducting extensive traffic monitoring through Stantec consultants.
Data revealed no acute congestion attributable directly to the scheme, noting that traffic delays largely occur during peak times and the network operates close to free-flow at others. Footfall counts show mixed results: visitor numbers dipped during construction but showed signs of recovery afterward, though still below pre-project levels. Notably, Eastover experienced declines in daily footfall, raising concerns among local traders.
Opposition councillor Diogo Rodrigues criticized the project’s impact on encouraging town centre visits, while Mandy Maskell voiced the traders’ dissatisfaction, accusing the council of lacking focus on Bridgwater’s best interests.
Council highways officers proposed five options for traffic arrangements on East Quay and Salmon Parade, ranging from maintaining the status quo to restoring two-way traffic. Assessments suggest none would substantially reduce congestion, and some options risk increased central traffic and compromised cyclist and pedestrian safety. Costs for options vary, with the most extensive changes estimated at £120,000.
Labour councillor Leigh Redman, whose motion spurred the review, advocated a compromise: reinstating two-way traffic on East Quay, making Salmon Parade northbound only, and installing raised pedestrian crossings. He emphasized the importance of citizens’ lived experience alongside technical assessments, highlighting the scheme’s perceived barriers to town centre access and reduced footfall.
The council decided to keep current arrangements for now but plans to engage residents and businesses further over the summer. They will also revisit the Bridgwater Vision to ensure future decisions reflect current realities.
Councillor Richard Wilkins noted the challenge between prioritizing car traffic and preserving a more pedestrian-friendly environment, affirming the scheme’s design to improve visitor experience while seeking ongoing public input.
Both Mr. Redman and Mr. Rodrigues stressed the need to align decision-making with up-to-date evidence and community feedback, acknowledging concerns about travel inconvenience and economic impact.
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox criticized the council for prolonging uncertainty but welcomed the expanded consultation, believing widespread public support exists for restoring two-way traffic on East Quay and Salmon Parade, as petitioned by nearly 6,000 residents.
As the debate continues, Bridgwater faces the complex task of balancing traffic efficiency, pedestrian safety, and the vitality of its town centre.