January 2025

Featured updates

Puriton roadworks impact reduced thanks to contractor’s 24/7 push

Round-the-clock working has meant there is no longer a need for a one-way system and diversions around busy Puriton Hill this month.

Work to connect the multi-billion Agratas electric battery facility near Bridgwater to the power grid is well underway, a connection that is essential for the development which is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs and put Somerset at the centre of the UK’s green energy revolution.

Contractors had expected to reintroduce a one-way system on Puriton Hill for around a month starting next week, to allow crews to continue installing underground ducting along the side of the road.

But, thanks to weeks of working 24/7 in the autumn, the team has finished ahead of schedule. This means there is no need for this month’s one-way restrictions and traffic will be able to travel both north and south on Puriton Hill which links the A39 with Junction 23 of the M5.

Work will instead take place under temporary traffic lights at the junction of Puriton Hill and Bath Road Bridge from 15 February to 2 March. These lights will replicate the existing traffic light system on the junction, keeping disruption to a minimum but allowing the necessary access to the network.

Work will also take place at the junction of Bower Lane and Bath Road in Bridgwater under temporary traffic lights, from 13 to 26 January.

Further work will be needed before the summer to install the cabling into the ducting along the route of the A39. Details of the traffic management required for this is still be finalised and will be shared as soon as possible.

Celebration Mile Update: Latest news on Eastover phase

Artists impression of Celebration Mile

Somerset Council and contractor Taylor Woodrow have announced a change to traffic management in Eastover to help the project team complete this key phase of the Celebration Mile earlier. 

Unmapped utilities under the road have made work more complicated and impossible to do safely without a full road closure. 

Instead of using a one-way system which would take approximately 9 months for work completion, Eastover will be closed to all traffic from 2 January for up to 6 months.

The team will be doing its utmost to complete the works sooner. Completing the works sooner should reduce some of the inconvenience to businesses. The full closure will also allow the team to complete works all in one go.

Eastover will remain open to shoppers and visitors throughout, and extra signs will make it clear the street is open for business. Traders and affected residents are being kept up-to-date on the closure.

Hot off the press

The snow must go on: pupils roll out the red carpet for Spready Mercury

Pupils at West Pennard C of E had a visit from their winning named gritter, Spready Mercury.

Somerset Council and its highways contractor, Kier, ran a competition with local schools to name two new gritters which have just joined the fleet. Six were short-listed and West Pennard’s ‘Spready Mercury’ was one of the two winning entries decided by public votes.

Before hitting the roads, ‘Spready’ paid a visit to the school and pupils were able to take a closer look at the vehicle which will be helping keep the county’s roads safe this winter.

The other winning name – Gritty Gritty Bang Bang – came from Brymore Academy and its pupils will be receiving a visit from their named gritter in the near future.

Gritting is important during icy months as it helps keep roads safe and reduces weather-related disruptions, whether you’re heading to school, work, or appointments. This year, over 900km of gritting routes are set to be treated. The Council has stockpiled over 6,400 tonnes of salt, with over 800 grit bins filled across the region.

Busy A361 in Othery set for vital repairs

Essentail work on the A361 High Street and Fore Street in Othery will be done across 13 nights from Wednesday 22 January to conclude Saturday 8 February. 

The road will be closed to vehicles on week days only from 6.30pm to 11.30pm during these dates. It will be open at all other times except Saturday 8 February. 

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout for residents – there may be some restrictions or delays for vehicle access on occasion to some properties and residents should liaise with the site team on this. 

Somerset Council is planning to carry out further works in the area in the coming months, including repairs to the A372 New Road and Loadpool and work on the A361 at East Lyng in the spring. More details to follow on these works. 

Repairs scheduled for Burnham-on-Sea roundabout

Somerset Council will be resurfacing a busy roundabout at the junction of the B3140 and Love Lane in Burnham-on-Sea.  The Council’s contractor Heidelberg Materials will be doing the work during the evening from 21-28 January, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm on week days only. The road will be closed during these times. It will be open all other times.  Access to Tesco and other business will be maintained throughout.

Partner updates

A303 Newtown to Stopgate Cross – road closures for resurfacing

National Highways is closing the A303 for resurfacing between Newtown and Stopgate Cross from 8pm to 6am on the following dates: Monday 20 to Friday 24 January Friday 24 to Monday 27 January Friday 31 January to Monday 3 February Diversions will be in place.

Grants to Celebrate Railway 200: Bid for your GWR linked project today!

Somerset projects with ties to Great Western Railway (GWR) can make a lasting impact on their community and the future of rail travel through their Customer and Community Improvement Fund. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and GWR are asking bidders to reflect on Railway 200 in their bids. GWR is not just looking for heritage projects.  They want you to show them how your project lives up to the achievements of the past, and how it can help shape the future of the railway, connect communities, or open new opportunities for disadvantaged groups. Does it encourage more people to take the train or invite the next generation of pioneering talent to join the railway and become the history makers of tomorrow? The fund is designed to support small and medium rail related projects that can be completed over the course of the 2025/26 financial. A good bid will show a strong level of community involvement and support, and the proposal will have benefits that last beyond the duration of the project. Match funding would be advantageous but is not essential and each proposal will be treated on its own merits. To make the money go further, GWR is particularly interested in small and medium projects. This could include phased projects, for instance a bid for a feasibility study or some research, to support a larger project. The maximum bid amount is £50,000 although most bids previously awarded were under £25,000, and the average bid awarded last financial year was £12,500. There must be a link to the railway in every project and all bids must address an area of social need. Applications are welcomed between now and 31 January 2025. Visit the GWR website where you will find the application form and view case studies of previous projects and guidance information to help you make the best application possible.

Have a safe T.R.I.P this year

Wet weather makes it harder for tyres to grip and for drivers to see ahead. As you embark on long or significant journeys this winter, make T.R.I.P safety checks your steadfast companion. 

T - Top-up fuel, oil and windscreen wash

R - Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes

I - Inspect your tyre pressure and treads (1.6mm is the minimum legal limit)

P - Prepare for the weather by checking road conditions, the weather forecast and planning alternative routes.

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.