Issue 13 - August 2024

Featured updates

Have your say on plans for Taunton’s new Transport Hub

Taunton’s former bus station site is set to get a new lease of life as a vital transport interchange under new proposals.

A plan to revamp the site is being shared with the public and businesses as part of Taunton’s wider regeneration plans and people will be able to comment on what we're proposing to include in the new transport hub in terms of facilities.

The hub is part of our joint Bus Service Improvement Plan and will offer a range of modern and sustainable transport options, including bus, coach, and bike parking. It will also feature attractive public spaces, green areas, as well as links to the town centre and the River Tone.

We're running an online survey to gather people’s views on the plans. The website will have images and plans which can be viewed and downloaded.

You can find out more and take part in the survey via our consultation webpage. The online engagement runs from 23 July to 17 September.

Bridgwater road works underway as Agratas facility preparation gears up

Traffic controls are in place on 2 roads in Bridgwater to allow works linked to the planned Agratas battery facility.

The works, being carried out by Agratas’s contractor, JSM Group Services Ltd, are needed to install underground power cables connecting Gravity site in Puriton to Bridgwater’s electricity substation.

Bower Lane and Westonzoyland Road (A372) will be affected for approximately 1 month. Bower Lane is also scheduled to be closed in phases from early September to late December.

• Westonzoyland Road: night time closure, from 7pm to 7am. During this time there will be a 2-way temporary traffic light system with access remaining in both directions.
• Bower Lane: a 1-way systems and multi-way traffic lights to allow works along the road which will be carried out in several phases. Work started Monday 5 August under traffic lights, followed by a 1-way system introduced between Bath Road and the hospital roundabout. Traffic will only be able to access the hospital from the A39 direction (Bath Road) and will need to follow a signed diversion via Whitfield Road when exiting.

Access will be maintained at all times for directly affected businesses and homes. However, residents should plan ahead and leave extra time for journeys, for example when travelling for hospital appointments.

Hot off the press

Contractor hits ground running on Celebration Mile

Work on the ground kicks off in earnest on Bridgwater’s landmark Celebration Mile this week.

The flagship pedestrian and cycle friendly route will connect the railway station and the Northgate Docks which are also in line for regeneration. Both are funded by the Bridgwater Town Deal.

From 19 August a closure of Eastover is required for the safety of the public and workforce in order to get the first phase of the work done. The Closure is between Broadway and Church Street. Access to Church Street will be maintained using two-way traffic lights via Eastover in an east direction.

It’s expected to be in place until November when construction moves to the next phase.

Council removes dangerous Goodland Gardens footbridge in Taunton

Our contractors have now removed Goodland Gardens Footbridge in Taunton to safeguard the public. The bridge, which crossed the River Tone from Tangier Way into Goodlands Gardens, was closed a year and a half ago for safety reasons, with the public sign-posted to the nearby alternative crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

New contract gets green light

Street lights, lighted signs, bollards and other electrical equipment on highways and public open spaces across the county are set to benefit from greener and more efficient lighting thanks to a new 8-year maintenance contract we’ve signed with VolkerHighways Ltd. Nearly 66% of the Council’s 59,593 lighted assets have already been changed to greener and more efficient lighting and the new contract with VolkerHighways will support us to convert all remaining lighting to LED, which will help lower our carbon footprint.

Summer is here so why don’t you and your pooch ‘Bus It’ to walkies?

We launched a campaign earlier this summer to encourage people to make the most of cheap bus travel while helping to safeguard their bus route at the same time.  Somerset is blessed with fantastic countryside, historic sites, towns, beaches and fabulous dog walks so with fares still at £2 for any single journey, the message is why not leave the car at home, take the bus and let your dog loose in Exmoor or Yeovil Country Park over the summer.

Beware car park QR code scam

We've been made aware that fraudulent QR code stickers are being displayed on ticket machines in some of our car parks. If you want to pay for parking using your phone, please either download the PayByPhone app from the App Store or Google Play; visit paybyphone.co.uk directly; or dial 0330 400 7275 to use the automated phone line.

Pedal powered reuse initiative keeps bikes on the road

A new initiative between Somerset Council, SUEZ and On Your Bike, means that bikes collected via the council’s bulky collection service will now be donated to On Your Bike, and head back onto the road.

On Your Bike is a bicycle recycling charity, based in Bridgwater and Taunton. The charity’s aim is to train and support those in the community who have suffered social exclusion, have physical disabilities or mental health issues. This includes ex-service personnel, refugees, ex-offenders, homeless and long term unemployed. Bikes are then refurbished and sold at affordable prices. 

During the first month of the new partnership, On Your Bike have received more than 25 bikes.

Partner updates

Socialising this summer? Remember the Fatal Five

Long summer evenings are great to enjoy with friends and family but make sure to stay safe. Remember the #FatalFive behaviours such as diving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Drink driving can result in a fine of £2,500 or more!

Four tips to save lives:

• Make a plan so you and your friends don't need to drive such as planning trips close to home or booking a taxi
• Don't accept drinks or drugs if you're planning to drive
• Don't offer drinks or drugs to those who are planning to drive
• Don't get a lift with someone who is under the influence

Help National Highways plant 3 million trees by 2030

Stock image by congerdesign from Pixabay

National Highways is taking an innovative approach of buying and growing their own stocks of native trees as part of a commitment to plant an additional 3 million trees by 2030.

The agency would like organisations and landowners to help plant the trees and will be donating up to 600,000 whips on an annual basis!

To apply, please complete the tree planting questionnaire. Applications will be accepted continuously through to the last planting season in 2028 to 2029.

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.