THE NEW Creech Castle/Toneway junction became operational this week.

The reopening of Bridgwater Road in Taunton was on time and on budget according to Somerset County Councillor Mike Rigby.

The multi-million-pound revamp of this crucial intersection will see improved traffic flow through the county town’s main transport artery as well as vastly improved access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Work on the Toneway/Creech Castle junction project includes additional lanes on the approach to the junction, as well as new crossings for those on foot and bike.

A key feature of the project involved widening of the Bathpool Bridge on the A38 Bridgwater Road, which has been closed since August 2021 to enable the work to be undertaken. This is to increase the capacity at the junction as a result of local development and growth, and widen cycling and pedestrian facilities.

The new innovative cycling and pedestrian crossing is the first in Somerset.  Pedestrians will cross in two phases, whilst cyclists will be able to cross in a single phase.

Now the road is fully open to the public, the project team will concentrate on the finishing works around the junction and undertake additional landscaping works to enhance this key route into the county town.

The junction was opened after a small ceremony which saw a bus make the first journey through from Bridgwater Road to highlight Somerset County Council and Somerset Bus Partnership’s current BUS IT campaign, which aims to encourage more people to use buses.

Cllr Rigby and Cllr Revans - Catch The Bus Month (Somerset CC newsroom)

Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital Cllr Mike Rigby said: “We are delighted to be reopening this vital junction on time and on budget. Our thanks to the excellent work of our partner Griffiths.

“The Toneway is the main gateway into Taunton for commuters, shoppers and tourists. As well as vastly improved access for cyclists and pedestrians, the improved junction will ensure increased capacity to keep pace with the town’s continued economic and residential growth.”

Pre-construction Director, Simon Dunn, said: “Griffiths are proud to have been part of this Active Travel Improvement and are delighted to see the scheme open to the public. The success of this challenging project has been achieved through a collaborative partnership developed with Somerset County Council and our Project Stakeholders.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience during the construction and to congratulate the project team for the drive they have shown to achieve this ambitious opening deadline.”