The Somerset Council is gearing up to give a facelift to two critical junctions in Taunton town center in a bid to improve bus journey times. As part of an ongoing initiative to upgrade outdated traffic signals and related infrastructure across the county, the council plans to replace the more than 20-year-old traffic lights at the A38 Hurdle Way junctions with the B3170 Mansfield Road and Silver Street.
The upgrades aim to tackle the congestion caused by the substantial commuter traffic coming from the M5 and the villages within the Blackdown Hills. The revamped traffic lights will prioritize buses, facilitating faster and smoother journeys in and out of the town center, with the goal of enticing more people to opt for public transport over driving.
Cyclists are also set to benefit from the infrastructure improvements, with the addition of bike boxes and a new on-road cycle lane along Mansfield Road. The plan aligns with the Taunton local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP), contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation network.
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The comprehensive overhaul will encompass new pedestrian crossings and a complete resurfacing of both junctions. Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, highlighted the broader implications of the project, emphasizing its role in facilitating a better connected, greener, and cleaner Taunton.
With disruptions expected at peak traffic times, the council seeks to minimize inconvenience while pressing ahead with the improvements. Funding for the project, as well as other identified enhancements within the council’s bus service improvement plan (BSIP), comes from ring-fenced central government grants allocated by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The Hurdle Way improvements form part of a larger vision for the eastern approach into Taunton, with plans for bus lane installations along specific stretches of the A3027 East Street and the A38 East Reach. An allocated budget of £1,852,550 within the BSIP grant will cover all improvements on the eastern side of Taunton.
The project, set to commence in early-November and conclude in early-2025, will involve temporary traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and a one-way system to manage congestion. The council plans to keep the public informed through a drop-in event and timely updates on dates and timings.
For more information on roadworks, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.