Somerset Council has issued a formal apology following significant traffic congestion on the A39 near Minehead, caused by ongoing roadworks at the Dunster Steep junction. The scheme, which started on January 5, involves upgrading and replacing traffic signals where the A39 intersects with the A396 towards Tiverton through Exmoor National Park.
Residents and commuters have reported lengthy tailbacks on social media, prompting local resident Lee Cobley to create the Minehead Traffic Monitor website to provide real-time traffic delay updates for the area.
The council explained that one of the key sensors essential for the traffic light system was damaged during Storm Goretti, triggering a series of challenges that have complicated traffic management efforts.
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Officers acknowledged the disruption, apologising for the inconvenience caused over the past two weeks and assuring the public that work was underway to reduce delays for the remainder of the project, expected to conclude by late April.
A council spokesperson said: “We apologise for the disruption and inconvenience during this early phase of the scheme. We’ve faced several issues impacting the traffic light system, but our onsite team is working diligently to resolve them. Managing traffic during the early stages of such upgrades is always challenging, but we are implementing measures to keep queues manageable and continuously monitoring the situation.”
To improve traffic flow, Somerset Council and contractor Centregreat have implemented manual control of the Dunster lights during peak times since January 13. These manual controls will continue, prioritising westbound traffic towards the Butlins holiday resort to ease holidaymaker arrivals. Two-way traffic will be maintained from 8 pm on Fridays throughout the weekend and on weekdays whenever possible, with manual adjustments during peak periods requiring one-way traffic management.
Starting January 19, two-way traffic will be generally maintained, with westbound traffic given priority on Mondays and Fridays.
Syed Shah, the scheme’s public liaison officer, shared in a newsletter to local businesses: “After consulting key stakeholders and reviewing feedback, we have redesigned the traffic phases and management system. Please note that road closures and traffic arrangements may change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.”
The council remains committed to minimising disruption and encourages residents and businesses to contact the dedicated community liaison officer with any concerns.