Construction of a new multi-million pound link road in Bridgwater is now underway – and residents are invited to two drop-in events next week to meet the contractor and find out more.

The £18.4m Colley Lane Southern Access Road (CLSAR) plans include two new bridges, 840 metres of carriageway and new cycle and footways.

The scheme will help ease congestion along Taunton Road and Broadway by connecting Parrett Way to Marsh Lane and providing access to the Colley Lane Industrial Estate from the south.

It will also open up brownfield development sites between the River Parrett and the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal.

Mobilisation work by contractor Whitemountain started on 4 April. Members of the public can meet the team and find out more about the programme at two events next week.

These will take place at the Canalside Centre, Marsh Lane, on Monday 16 April and Tuesday 17 April between 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We’re keen to work closely alongside the community and these drop-in events offer the chance for people to meet the team and find out more about this exciting project.

“So whether you have a specific question about how the work may affect you or simply want chance to see the designs in more detail, please come along and we’ll be very happy to meet you.”

Bryan Harper, Senior Civil Engineer acting as Public Liaison Officer for Whitemountain, said: “The Whitemountain team would be delighted if you would join us at our pre-construction information drop-in sessions.

“We are looking forward to meeting the local community, explaining our upcoming works programme and forging relationships over the next 18 months.”

You can also find out more about the project at the dedicated website: https://www.clsar.co.uk/.

Stay up to date with the latest traffic and roadworks news by visiting www.travelsomerset.co.uk or following @TravelSomerset on Twitter.

• The £18.4m Colley Lane scheme is funded by EDF S106 contributions, housing developer S106 contributions, the DfT Productivity Investment Fund and Somerset County Council’s capital programme.