Work has now started on a multi-million pound road scheme which will help ease congestion in Bridgwater.

The first turf was formally cut for the Colley Lane Southern Access Road (CLSAR) today (Thursday, 19 April), kicking-off the £18.4m scheme that will include two new bridges, 840 metres of carriageway and new cycle and footways.

As well as connecting Parrett Way to Marsh Lane to tackle congestion along Taunton Road and Broadway, the scheme will also provide access to the Colley Lane Industrial Estate from the south.

Construction firm Whitemountain is building the road which will also open up brownfield development sites between the River Parrett and the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal – supporting the delivery of planned housing and employment land.

“It’s great to see this major project underway,” said Councillor John Woodman, Cabinet Member for Highways. “It’s a huge piece of work that will have a real positive impact for residents and businesses.

“Its good news that Bridgwater is a growing and prospering town and we have to make sure it has the right infrastructure in place to support that growth.”

The £18.4m scheme is being funded by contributions from EDF Energy and housing developers, the DfT Productivity Investment Fund and Somerset County Council’s capital programme.

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “We are very pleased to see work started on this important addition to Bridgwater’s road network. EDF Energy’s £20 million package of road improvements complements this additional investment. The Colley Lane scheme helps to ensure that local people and businesses share in the opportunities created, with Hinkley Point C being a huge driver of economic growth.”

Whitemoutain has been holding public information events to keep people up to date on the plans. Brian Harper, senior site engineers, said: “We are keen to work with the community and keep them informed as our works progress. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit our team, at the public information sessions in the Canalside Conference Centre earlier this week. We are really looking forward to delivering this project to improve infrastructure that will support the growth of Bridgwater town”.

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