Somerset traffic signal refurbishment
Description
| Location | Key junctions in Somerset |
| What's happening | New traffic signals |
| When | Work started March 2021 |
| Purpose of works | Existing signals need to be replaced; better traffic flow and improved access. |
Introduction
The Council is carrying out a major refurbishment of traffic signals at locations in towns across Somerset.
Work begin in 2021 and is due to continue into 2024.
Some sites in Taunton, Bridgwater, Chard, Shepton Mallet, Wells, Yeovil and Frome have been completed – further work in Bridgwater, Yeovil and Wells is currently ongoing. Further work is planned in Taunton, Shepton Mallet and Frome – details to be confirmed.
Bridgwater
The work will see major upgrades to traffic signals at the Broadway/St John’s Street junction as well as the zebra crossings on Broadway near Blake Place being replaced with new puffin crossings.
The work at the Broadway junction with St John’s Street will also include a new parallel crossing, allowing cyclists to get across this busy junction in one movement, alongside an improved pedestrian crossing.
This programme includes resurfacing of a significant section of Broadway, including Monmouth Street, the top of St John’s Street and up to Salmon Parade.
Expected completion date for this extensive programme is summer.
Evening closures will be required from 6.30pm to 11pm as follows:
Broadway
- Tuesday 11th – Monday 24th April, evenings 6:30pm to 11:00pm (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings).
Monmouth Street
- Tuesday 25th April – Thursday 11th May, evenings 6:30pm to 11:00pm (excluding Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings).
St Johns Street
- Monday 15th May – Thursday 18th May, evenings 6:30pm to 11:00pm.
Evening works diversion routes:
- ERH – Eastover Monmouth Street- Phase 1.pdf
- ERH – Eastover Monmouth Street- Phase 2.pdf
- ERH – Eastover Monmouth Street- Phase 3.pdf
Yeovil
- Yeovil saw work commence earlier this year on a programme of works which featured a number of key sites on Lysander Road and three crossings. The junction signal refurbishments on Lysander Road are:
• West Hendford – work started October 2022
• Pine Tree Avenue – work completed September 2022
• Forest Hill – work started October 2022 - Crossings on Sherborne Road, Ilchester Road and Lyde Rd are now refurbished.
Work is ongoing in Mendip:
Shepton Mallet
- Fosse Lane completed October 2022
- Charlton Rd crossroads A37/A361 – work commences 2023
Frome
- Christchurch St East – due to complete early 2023
- Market Place – early 2023
- Princess Anne Rd (3-way junction) summer 2023
Wells
- Mountery Rd – completed August 2022
- Strawberry Way/Burcott Rd due to complete November 2022
- Portway/Strawberry junction starting November 2022
- Strawberry Way south crossing (near Lidl) starting spring 2023
- Wookey Hole Rd/Portway Junction starting late spring 2023
- East Liberty crossing – TBC likely 2023.
Background
The signals recovery programme is Somerset Council’s £11.6 million county-wide package of work over the next three years to refurbish signal equipment coming to the end of its working life.
It’s essential the work happens now as the existing signals, in service for between 25- 40 years, are in a state of disrepair and need replacing as soon as possible.
The new signals will be more efficient, more eco-friendly, and importantly should improve traffic flow and will provide much safer access for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Why Are We Doing This Work
The existing signals are in a state of disrepair and must be replaced as soon as possible.
The new signals will be better co-ordinated, more efficient, and eco-friendly and should improve traffic flow plus provide much better connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Funding
These are Somerset Council capital funded works. It’s part of an £11.6 million package refurbish signals across Somerset over the next 3 years.
Contractor
The contractor is Centregreat, whilst Griffiths carried out the Rowbarton phase.
Construction Dates
Work commenced in Yeovil early in 2022. Other sites in Wells, Shepton Mallet and Frome commenced later the same year.
The Programme
All existing traffic signals will be fully refurbished – underground infrastructure which carries cables must be dug up and removed, along with new poles, and updated equipment installed which is user friendly and tactile compliant for all users including those who are visually impaired.
Overall this should improve traffic flow.
The new signals and controls are low voltage and eco-friendly in line with Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the works needed and what work will be undertaken?
The existing signals are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced. It’s therefore vital that the site is refurbished as soon as possible. We are carrying out this work now to ensure infrastructure is in place to support the recovery of our local economy. All existing traffic signals will be fully refurbished – underground infrastructure which carries cables must be dug up and removed, along with new poles, heads and push button units are being installed which are user friendly and tactile compliant for all users, including those who are visually impaired.
How will the traffic be managed?
There will be an impact on residents, businesses and road users but the team is working closely with the contractor to minimise this in every way possible. Usually temporary lights are in place throughout these work.
How long will the works take?
These are the approximate timescales: Yeovil: Lyde Road, Ilchester Rd, Sherborne Road complete Lysander Road / Pine Tree Avenue – completion September 2022 Lysander Road / West Hendford – early 2023 completion Lysander Road / Forest Hill – early 2023 completion Taunton phase 2 Completed September 2022 Mendip – Wells/Shepton Mallet/Frome Shepton Mallet – autumn 2022 Frome – early 2023 Wells – spring 2023
Where has funding come from?
These are Somerset Council capital funded works. It’s an £11.6m million package to refurbish signals across Somerset over the next 3 years.
Who is undertaking the works?
Centregreat is undertaking the works in Yeovil.