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MOTORISTS have been warned to expect disruption when work progresses to connect three major projects to Bridgwater’s road network in coming months.
More details on roadworks which will affect commuters on the A39, M5 and A38 have been announced as huge investment in the town’s infrastructure continues.
Three major, time-sensitive projects need access to the town’s road network in the coming months, linked to the Agratas battery facility in Puriton, upgrading the Dunball roundabout and completing of the Celebration Mile.
Temporary restrictions and one-way systems will be needed and Somerset Council will be working closely with contractors to coordinate the works and keep the disruption to a minimum.
Some delays are unavoidable and road users are being urged to be patient and plan ahead during this busy time.
Key works include a one-way system on Puriton Hill for several weeks and overnight closures of the road linking the Dunball roundabout to Junction 23 of the M5. These restrictions will not overlap.
A public drop-in on Wednesday, November 20, will give people the chance to find out more and ask questions.
The event takes place from 12.30pm to 6.30pm at Bridgwater Town Hall and will involve representatives from the council and contractors from the major schemes going on in Bridgwater.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste services, said: “All these works are about improvements and investment but we know it is going to be a very busy period on the Bridgwater network and ask for people’s patience in advance.
“We have done our best to avoid overlaps and clashes and our team will be working with contractors throughout ready to tweak traffic management if things can be improved.
“The drop-in on November 20 is the best opportunity to find out more and get questions answered, so please come along if you can.”
Agratas high voltage power lines
Work to supply the site of the planned Agratas electric car battery facility – a £4 billion investment for Somerset - has been ongoing since September.
Significant roadworks have taken place around Bridgwater.
- Work along Bath Road from Crandon Bridge is due to be completed on November 15. Two-way traffic flow will be reinstated from November 15.
- November 15 to December 19: one-way system in place on Puriton Hill. Traffic will be able to travel south from Junction 23 of the M5 – up Puriton Hill away from Bridgwater and towards Street/Glastonbury. There will be no access to Junction 23 from the north – from the Street/Glastonbury direction. A signed diversion route is in place via A39 into Bridgwater to the Cross Rifles junction and via A38 to Dunball where you can access J23. Road users may choose other routes.
- December 19 to 10 January 10: restrictions lifted for the festive period.
- January 11 to 9 February 9: the one-way system reintroduced on Puriton Hill.
- Further work is needed later in the spring involving the same one-way system on Puriton Hill. Dates are yet to be confirmed.
Dunball roundabout upgrade
Work to improve the capacity at the roundabout. This will include signalisation and a new ‘throughabout’.
- November 11 to December 2025: work starts and will be carried out largely under temporary lights and lane closures.
- January 6 to January 10; February 10 to 14, and March 3 to 14: overnight closures (7.30pm to 5am) of the link road between Junction 23 and the Dunball roundabout.
- These are timed so as not to coincide with the Puriton Hill one-way system.
Celebration Mile
A pedestrian and cycle-friendly route connecting Bridgwater Railway Station to Bridgwater Docks, while celebrating the town’s history and culture. It is part of a wide-ranging regeneration programme focused on the town.
Work continues on Eastover until next summer. This means ongoing closure of Eastover with a diversion in place.
There are also parking and access restrictions on Angel Crescent and a closure will be in place on Clare Street from early 2025 – dates to be confirmed.