Introduction
Somerset Council is replacing ageing traffic signals at a number of locations as part of a county-wide programme. Many of these are more than 30 years old and nearing the end of their working life.
The work has to be done otherwise the signals will fail causing severe disruption, as it can take several months to finalise a scheme to replace the lights. Each traffic signal scheme must be individually designed according to the location and technical requirements and there is a procurement process to select the contractor.
Whilst work is undertaken the team does their utmost to minimise disruption with the use of smart technology where possible to manage traffic flows.
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.
Each scheme involves a full resurfacing of the surrounding road space.
A39 junction in Street
Work commenced on six sets of traffic lights serving the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street along with Farm Road, on 5 January 2026 and finishes 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.
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.
A39 junction in Dunster
Work started on replacing the traffic lights at the A39 junction with the A396 at Dunster in West Somerset on 5 January 2026 and finishes in April.
As with Street 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.
The contractor appointed for the work is Centregreat which has already carried out a number of similar schemes in Somerset.
Love Lane in Burnham-on-Sea
A set of traffic lights serving the pedestrian entrance to Tesco need renewing – work commenced on Monday 12 January and is due to complete in February. The Council’s contractor for this work is Cambrensis.
Temporary lights will be in place during the work. There is likely to be congestion at peak times and people are advised to plan ahead.
Works contact
Public Liaison Officer for all works:
Syed Shah
Telephone: 07812 449 605
Email: syed.shah@somerset.gov.uk
