MOTORISTS in Bridgwater will be faced with a five-month road closure next week.
Clare Street will be closed to all vehicles – for up to five months- from next Monday, February 17.
Access for pedestrians and shoppers will be maintained throughout the closure, according to Somerset Council.
The council says shops, businesses and residents have already been visited by a representative from contractors Taylor Woodrow to make sure they are kept informed and have a point of contact for any concerns.
It said the road closure is being brought forward to minimise summer disruption for traders, shoppers and residents.
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The closure is needed to facilitate the next phase of the £23.2 million Bridgwater Town Deal project, the Celebration Mile, which is being brought about to regenerate the town.
This project will see new pedestrian and cycle-friendly routes created through the town, including from the railway station to the Northgate Docks.
Somerset Council says Clare Street is an important part of this scheme and it is set to be transformed over the coming months.
The area will see the renewing, diverting and maintaining of underground utilities, improving drainage, installing new kerbs and paving, as well as street furnishings and soft landscaping.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said he wants to see the work completed as quickly as possible to enable businesses to start to feel the benefit.
“This work was due to start in the spring, but we are now introducing a full road closure a bit earlier to get everything complete by the summer,” he said.
“Work on the scale of the Celebration Mile does involve some disruption but we are trying to keep this to the minimum.
“We will make sure that pedestrians and shoppers, businesses and residents, will continue to have access throughout.
“We will also be installing extra signs to make people aware that Clare Street remains open for business.”
Celebration Mile is one of 11 projects being delivered as part of Bridgwater Town Deal which is bringing £23.2million of government investment through projects for the town.
These include:
- Tidal barrier
- Congestion improvements to Dunball Junction
- Walking and cycling routes
- Restoration of the docks
- Creation of an arts centre
- Transforming the town hall theatre
- Increasing capacity of the Engine Room – 2.0
- A flexible business and enterprise hub – Bridgwater Step Up
- Carnival space for Bridgwater Carnival
- Town Wardens/events ambassadors
- Events and cultural programme for town centre
If Clare Street is to be closed to traffic for 5 months then its time Blue Badge Holders be allowed to park in the shopping centre car park for free. For some of us the long walk from other car parks is too much. When also Northgate car park is at least half used to store building requirements and offices and machines. So already a lot less town centre parking available.
Absolutely ridiculous cyclists should just stick to the path !! Unnecessary road works causing havoc in the town again !! Oh but the council have no money ?