Issue 9 - April 2024

Featured updates

Somerset to get 25 new electric buses for the county’s network in major £14.7m investment

Credit: FirstBus

Exciting new electric buses will be travelling the streets of Somerset thanks to our joint funding bid with First Bus South and considerable investment from the operator.

Somerset will be welcoming 25 new double-decker and single-decker buses to the county in the near future, which will be funded by a £2.2 million grant from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme, along with a £12.5 million investment from Buses of Somerset's operator, First Bus South, meaning there'll be no extra cost to the Council.

Hot off the press

New 20mph speed limits proposed following requests from communities

We're proposing 15 new speed limits in the county based on requests from local communities. These changes will be community-funded as part of our initiative. Last year, numerous requests were made across Somerset for either 20mph or 30mph limits due to safety concerns. In response, we invited communities to apply for a 20mph speed limit, provided they could fund the design and implementation in accordance with the Department for Transport's criteria.

Road reopens early as Bishops Lydeard wall works finish ahead of schedule

Great news! Cothelstone Road in Bishops Lydeard has reopened after essential repairs. The 24/7 road closure was in place from late January to allow our contractor, Karesa Construction, to repair and rebuild sections of a retaining wall along the road. The works included repairs to an existing masonry wall and construction of a new retaining wall and drainage. With the work completing more that a week ahead of schedule, the Cothelstone Road reopened on 21 March 2024.

Somerset Council and Kier launch new highways partnership

We've embarked on a new era in highways maintenance in partnership with infrastructure services provider, Kier. The £225 million contract, which commenced on 1 April, encompasses essential maintenance tasks across Somerset’s extensive 4,172-mile road network. The tasks include road repairs, drainage, verge cutting and winter services, such as gritting during adverse weather conditions. Kier secured the contract through a rigorous tendering process, earning high marks for value for money, innovation, and environmentally friendly practices – all contributing to the Council’s commitment to sustainability.

Somerset Council gives walkers access to B3191 Cleeve Hill route

Following a specialist report we commissioned, walkers can now use the Cleeve Hill B3191 cliff top road as part of the coast path. Temporary access was granted in time for the Easter holidays, allowing pedestrians to use the route from Good Friday. Further safety arrangements will be implemented to accommodate cyclists as well. However, the road will remain closed to motor vehicles, including motorbikes, due to weight concerns and its proximity to the cliff edge. The goal is to create a dedicated route for walkers, cyclists, and mobility scooter or wheelchair users.

Partner updates

Safer School Streets trial to bring road closures to Frome

Bee Friendly Trust participants

The Safer School Streets trial is set to begin during the school summer term after highway improvements are completed. These enhancements include new crossings, seating, and traffic-calming measures around Oakfield Academy, Critchill School, Trinity First School, and Park Road near Avanti Park School.

During term time, timed road closures will occur at the Oakfield Road/Nunney Road junction, including Critch Hill and part of Whitemill Lane, from 8.10am to 9am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additionally, a separate road closure on Park Road (leading to Avanti Park School) will be in effect from 8.25am to 8.55am and 3pm to 3.30pm. A new 20mph zone will cover a broader area around the School Streets zone.

Oakfield Academy and Critchill School have worked with the Bee Friendly Trust to prepare a number of planters with pollinator-friendly plants which will be used to block the road closures.

Throughout the trial, there will be opportunities for surveys and public meetings to gather feedback. The initiative is a collaboration between Somerset Council, Frome Town Council, and Sustrans, funded by the Department for Transport.

Cheddar Gorge experimental road closure

Cheddar Gorge

A popular destination for walkers and sport enthusiasts, Cheddar Gorge has the country’s highest inland cliff. The National Landscape Team secured funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), to explore an intriguing proposal to close vehicular access through the Gorge one day a month to allow for more users, including cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians.

During a 6-week public consultation, local residents and stakeholders provided feedback. The response was overwhelming, with over 1,700 submissions – far surpassing expectations. Impressively, over 80% of respondents supported making the Gorge more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicular visitors. When it comes to preferred closure days, 71% favoured Sundays, while 43% opted for Saturdays. However, 17% expressed opposition to the road closure.

Stay in touch

Spotted a problem on the road?

Whether it’s a pothole, damaged pavement or sign or some mud on the road, you can report it quickly and easily via our Report a problem on the road webpage.

Visit our Roadworks and travel information page for all things roads and travel. You can also follow @TravelSomerset on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for live traffic updates, news and posts on our key projects.