A ONE-WAY system during roadworks on the outskirts of Bridgwater will no longer be needed, it has been confirmed – but other works are set to get underway.

Somerset Council said round-the-clock working has meant there is no longer a need for the traffic restrictions and diversions around Puriton Hill during work to connect a proposed Gigafactory to the power grid.

Work to connect the multi-billion-pound Agratas electric battery facility got underway last year.

The council said contractors had expected to reintroduce a one-way system on Puriton Hill for around a month starting next week, to allow crews to continue installing underground ducting along the side of the road.

However, the council has confirmed the team has finished ahead of schedule after working round the clock.

READ MORE: ‘Massive’ plans for £4bn gigafactory near Bridgwater move a step closer

“This means there is no need for this month’s one-way restrictions and traffic will be able to travel both north and south on Puriton Hill which links the A39 with Junction 23 of the M5,” a spokesperson said.

“Work will instead take place under temporary traffic lights at the junction of Puriton Hill and Bath Road Bridge from February 15 to March 2. These lights will replicate the existing traffic light system on the junction, keeping disruption to a minimum but allowing the necessary access to the network.

“Work will also take place at the junction of Bower Lane and Bath Road in Bridgwater under temporary traffic lights, from January 13 to 26.

“Further work will be needed before the summer to install the cabling into the ducting along the route of the A39. Details of the traffic management required for this is still be finalised and will be shared as soon as possible.”

The Agratas Tata gigafactory is set to be built in Puriton, near Bridgwater

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and waste services, said: “It’s great news that we can avoid having to put another one-way system in place at this time, thanks to a tremendous effort by the JSM team.

“With work on this scale there is always disruption and we are pleased that the contractor has pulled out the stops to try keep it to a minimum.

“There is a huge amount of investment in and around Bridgwater at the moment. That’s very positive, but we know people in the town are coping with a lot of work on the roads and we appreciate their patience and continued support.”