A number of safety schemes are due to be delivered at the end of July on Taunton Road focusing on three junctions; Wills Road, Elmwood Avenue and Rhode Lane to improve crossing facilities in the area.

The schemes are being carried out consecutively and will be delivered during the school summer holidays to keep disruption to a minimum.

Wales and West Utilities gas main works are also required on Rhode Lane from 24/7/19 to 30/8/19.

Rhode Lane and Elmwood Avenue Safety Scheme:

The SCC schemes on the junctions at Rhode Lane and Elmwood Avenue will start on 29 July for  three weeks. This work will involve improving pedestrian crossing facilities by increasing the width of mid-road pedestrian refuges as well as improvement to the footways.  Two-way temporary traffic lights will be required on the A38 at Rhode Lane and Rhode Lane – at the junction will be closed to allow the improvements to be completed safely and to assist traffic movement.

A diversion for Rhode Lane will run via Wills Road, and Elmwood Avenue will remain open.  The Rhode Lane junction closure will remain closed for the duration of the work but the temporary lights will be removed every Friday at midday until Monday morning to allow normal movement of traffic on the A38 during those times.

Wills Road Junction Safety Scheme:

This work will involve improving pedestrian crossing facilities by adding a new mid-road pedestrian island as well as improvement to the footways.  This work will begin once SCC’s Rhode Lane and Elmwood Avenue works are completed and will take around one week to complete.

The Wills Road junction will be closed for the duration of the works with a diversion via Rhode Lane.  There will be temporary lights on the A38 at Wills Road but they will be removed every Friday at midday until Monday morning to allow normal movement of traffic on the A38 during those times.

Cllr John Woodman, Cabinet Member for Highways at Somerset County Council said:

“I am pleased to see these schemes come to fruition.  They have been long awaited by local residents and will significantly improve crossing facilities in the area, making local trips easier and helping children get to school safely.”

The schemes are being delivered as part of The Bridgwater Way which is delivering a host of travel improvements to existing roads and junctions, as well as miles of new and improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists across the town and surrounding areas.

Supported by Sedgemoor District Council and funded by EDF Energy, The Bridgwater Way also offers active travel initiatives to make getting to work or school easier and safer.

For more information on the project and to view our brand-new cycle and walking map, visit www.thebridgwaterway.co.uk