Somerset Council is replacing ageing traffic signals on the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street.
6 sets of traffic lights which span the junction need renewing as they are more than 30 years old and near the end of their working life.
The work, which is part of a county-wide initiative to replace traffic signals is set to start on 5 January 2026 and finish in May.
An intelligent temporary traffic lights system will be in operation during the work which will mirror the performance of the current signals and help minimise disruption.
Towards the end of the work, evening or overnight road closures will be needed to carry out resurfacing and these will be advertised well in advance.
The work 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.
The team is taking the opportunity to reduce future disruption by resurfacing a significant stretch of the road between Westway Roundabout and Street Roundabout on the A39 at the conclusion of these works. There will also be the addition of a new active travel shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
These are a very busy junctions and we are pleased to see this vital work taking place, replacing end of life equipment and ensuring the signals are fit for purpose for the next 30 years.
We are aware there will be disruption at peak traffic times and during school and college drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as during peak shopping times. The team will be working hard to minimise this.
Octavius has been appointed as the Council’s contractor for this work – one of the Council’s supply chain partners for all signal replacement work across the county.
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