Introduction
The Council is carrying out a major refurbishment of traffic signals at locations in towns across Somerset.
Work at three key junctions and two pedestrian crossings linking the A358 in the Rowbarton area of Taunton was completed in autumn 2021, along with sites in Bridgwater and Chard.
The second phase of signals recovery in Taunton commenced in July and was completed in September. This focused on the signalised junction at South Road/Calway Road and a pedestrian crossing on Chestnut Drive.
- 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 in October 2022
- Charlton Rd crossroads A37/A361 – work commences 2023
Frome
- Christchurch St East – due to complete in 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 be completed in 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
The scheme in Rowbarton saw brand new traffic signals installed, with improved provision for pedestrians and cyclists at the busy junctions of Kingston Road/Greenway Road, Kingston Road/St Andrew’s Road, Cheddon Road/Priorswood Road and the pedestrian crossings on Kingston Road.
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 to 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 coordinated, 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 to 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.
FAQs
Q1. 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 being installed which are user-friendly and tactile compliant for all users, including those who are visually impaired.
Q2. 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 this work.
Q3. How long will the works take?
These are the approximate timescales:
Yeovil:
- Lyde Road, Ilchester Rd, and 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
Q4. 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.
Q5. Who is undertaking the work?
Centregreat is undertaking the works in Yeovil.