NEW traffic lights in Taunton will prioritise buses when they are installed next month.

Temporary traffic lights are set to be installed in Hurdle Way, at the Mansfield Road and Silver Street junctions, while the lights are replaced.

Somerset Council said the work – which will begin in early November – was needed as the current lights are more than 20 years old – nearing the end of their operational life.

Work is not set to be completed until spring next year.

Residents can find out more about the new plans for the junctions during a drop-in event on October 30.

The event, in the meeting room at Taunton Library, will run from 3.30pm to 6.30pm and feature details of the scheme.

“The new lights will give more priority to buses and the Council will be improving pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities at the same time,” a council spokesperson said.

“Most of the work will be carried out under temporary traffic lights. Some short-term evening closures will be required but advanced notice will be given ahead of these.”

Traffic lights on the busy Taunton route are more than 20 years old, Somerset Council said. Picture: Google

As well as replacing signals and upgrading crossings, the scheme is designed to enhance walking, cycling, and bus travel in the area, the council added.

An on-road cycle lane will be introduced on Mansfield Road at its junction with Hurdle Way.

And the new lights will be accompanied by ‘advanced stop boxes’ on the road.

Commonly known has ‘bike boxes’, the markings give cyclists a safe place to stop ahead of other vehicles.

The signals will incorporate programming giving priority to approaching buses, which will improve running times for passengers, while the road will also be resurfaced.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and waste services, said: “This vital project will replace old, outdated equipment close to the end of its lifespan, while improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

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“By enhancing routes for walking, cycling, and bus travel, it is part of the ongoing efforts to make Taunton more connected, in line with our Garden Town Vision.

“It is also linked to our Our Bus Service Improvement Plan which aims to make bus travel a more attractive and feasible option for people, ensuring buses can move through this route more quickly.

“We know there will be some increased disruption at peak times, we’ll do our best to minimise this, but we would also urge people to plan ahead, while the work is ongoing.”

Cllr Wilkins urged people to consider using the Taunton Park and Ride Service, operated by Stagecoach, which costs £2 for a return journey in to town.

“We welcome everyone to come along to this event and find out about these essential Hurdle Way improvements,” he added.