Vital work to resurface a two-mile stretch of road through Cheddar Gorge has been completed on time and on budget.
Somerset Council’s contractors Heidelberg Materials removed and recycled the worn out section of road, one of the most scenic routes in the country.
The project involved night-time working to minimise disruption and the contractors were faced with challenging conditions: steep gradients, narrow sections and local wildlife including goats and rare-breed sheep.
Around 1,300 tonnes of worn out road surface was removed and recycled, where possible, back into the new asphalt, which was produced at the company’s Whatley quarry in the county. The team reduced the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of materials by using the same lorries to take the material to the asphalt plant and return to site with the new asphalt when feasible.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, said:
Cheddar Gorge is a British icon, so keeping the road in good condition is essential. This was a challenging project and I am delighted that Heidelberg has delivered iit on time and on budget.
Tim Doyle, Somerset Framework Manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, said:
The B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is one of the most scenic roads in the country. The successful completion of the scheme, on time and on budget, is testament to the strong partnership with have developed with Somerset Council through our term maintenance contract.
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