A multi-million-pound operation to renew traffic lights and crossings across Somerset heads to Yeovil early next year.

Work to replace signals in Taunton’s Rowbarton area, the first stage of a major investment in the county’s network infrastructure, completed this autumn and now the focus turns to other towns across the county. The team is currently upgrading a crossing in Westonzoyland Road in Bridgwater, and are due to complete later in the year.

A package of works in Yeovil, Wells, Shepton Mallet and Frome will see the refurbishment of traffic signals between 25-40 years old which have reached the end of their working life and must be replaced.

Yeovil will see work commencing in early 2022 at a number of key sites on Lysander Road and three crossings. The junction signal refurbishments on Lysander Road are:
• West Hendford
• Pine Tree Avenue
• Forest Hill
In addition crossings on Lyde Road, Sherborne Road and Ilchester Road will be refurbished. Work moves to Wells, Shepton Mallet and Frome later in 2022 and early 2023.

The new signals will be more efficient, more eco-friendly, and importantly should improve traffic flow and will provide much safer access for both cyclists and pedestrians.

The work in Yeovil is likely to impact on residents, businesses and road users on what are busy routes, but the Council’s Highways team has significant experience of managing these issues and will work with the chosen contractor on minimising any disruption as much as possible.

“It’s vital we get on with this work and replace the signals – doing nothing just isn’t an option,” said Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor John Woodman.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in Somerset’s infrastructure and ensuring our road network is fit for purpose for years to come.
“We’ll be working closely with local businesses and the community to ensure they have all the information they need, and disruption is kept to a minimum.”

For more information on the signals recovery programme visit Somerset Traffic Signal Refurbishment – Travel Somerset
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Submitted by Communications