MP Tessa Munt and council leader Mike Bell at the Banwell Bypass site. Picture: North Somerset Council

MP visits eagerly-awaited North Somerset bypass site as work progresses

Paul JonesJuly 23, 20250 Comment0

A SOMERSET MP visited the site of a new, eagerly-awaited bypass to see how work is progressing.

Tessa Munt (Lb Dem, Wells and Mendip Hills) joined Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Mike Bell, to see construction on the £65 million Banwell bypass.

Preparation work is well underway, with trenches and excavations starting to form the road’s route, as contractor Galliford Try carries out drainage works to improve ground conditions.

The route is set to be completed by spring 2027.

MP Ms Munt said: “It is great to see such progress and I know that people have been waiting decades for something that would ease the situation in Banwell. Thank you to the team for such an interesting visit and a fascinating tour of the site.”

As well as relief for drivers, the development is set to deliver environmental benefits such as 23 hectares of new and improved grassland, 12 hectares of new woodland and 3 hectares of new ponds and wetlands.

Bat fences and boxes have also been put in place, as well as measures to protect badgers and dormice.

Cllr Bell said: “The Banwell bypass is a scheme that we’ve fought hard to deliver, so it’s great to visit the site and see our efforts finally coming to fruition.

“When it opens, not only will the bypass remove traffic from a notorious congestion pinch point in the village of Banwell, but it will create miles of new walking, cycling and horse-riding routes to better connect communities, however they choose to travel.

THe Banwell Bypass is set to open in spring 2027. Picture: North Somerset Council

“It’s also set to unlock much needed new housing sites that can serve our growing population and help us reach our government set housing targets.

“Our local MPs have always been supportive of the scheme and I’d like to thank Tessa Munt MP for coming along to see this flagship project under construction, progressing smoothly towards its eventual opening in 2027.

“It’s not long now until we start laying the tarmac, so expect to hear many more updates from us soon.”

For more on the Banwell Bypass scheme visit n-somerset.gov.uk/banwellbypass.