Somerset Council needs to replace ageing traffic signals either side of a narrow bridge crossing over the River Parrett on one of the County’s key roads.
The lights in Burrowbridge on the A361 are near the end of their working life at over 30 years old and need to be replaced before they fail, causing long-term disruption. The road around Burrow Mump will also be resurfaced as part of the scheme.
Due to the constricted nature of the works area the A361 will need to be closed for a period of just over five weeks during the summer holidays to allow the work to be done.
There is a public drop-in on Tuesday 2 June from 3pm to 7.30pm at Burrowbridge Coronation Hall where people can meet the team and find out about more about the scheme. This will be followed by the Parish Council meeting in the evening.
- The Council’s contractor starts work on 29 June, initially under temporary lights, with access maintained as normal in all directions. During this initial period there may need to be a closure between 6pm and 6am. This will be signed and details will be provided nearer the time.
- From 23 July to 2 September the A361 at Burrowbridge will need to be closed in both directions 24/7. There will be a signed diversion route via the A372, A38 Bridgwater and A361. Crossing facilities for pedestrians and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
- Access for residents and businesses will be maintained.
The work is part of a county-wide initiative to replace traffic signals.
It involves significant excavation as all the old ducting and wiring as well as the traffic light heads must be removed from the ground and replaced.
Towards the end of the scheme, an evening or overnight road closure will be needed to carry out the resurfacing and this will be advertised well in advance.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
This is about replacing end of life equipment, so doing nothing is not an option. There is never a good time to do this – during the summer holidays when schools are not operating and the route is quieter is the most suitable time.
We know businesses and residents will be concerned about the potential disruption caused and we will be ensuring signage is in place underlining that Burrowbridge businesses are open as usual during these works.
Rest assured out team will be working at pace to get this work done and to minimise disruption as much as possible.
We would encourage local people to attend the drop in if they can, but if they can’t, we have a dedicated Public Liaison Officer regularly on site and available throughout the project.
You can contact the project Public Liaison officer Syed Shah on syed.shah@somerset.gov.uk and 07812 449605.
If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily via the Council’s Report a problem on the road webpage.
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