A BUSY junction near Priddy that has seen 37 crashes and three deaths in the past 20 years has been remodelled to make the area safer for motorists.

The notorious Miner’s Arms B3135/B3134 intersection has now been realigned by Somerset Council, with work taken place to essentially build a new stretch of road and stagger the crossroads which the council hopes will “radically” reduce crashes.

The council said the previous road layout resulted in many motorists failing to stop – despite clear signage.

A new 40mph speed limit has been enforced alongside drainage works and associated landscaping which reused stone recovered from the site to build hundreds of feet of dry-stone wall.

The new layout was opened at a ceremony last week.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s executive lead member for transport and waste services said: “I am delighted to see this vital safety scheme delivered.

“The statistics speak for themselves, something had to be done.

The previous road layout saw 37 crashes in 20 years – with three deaths and 11 serious collisions Picture: Somerset Council

“We made sure the evidence pointed to a new design that would make the junction safer and identified funding within our budget to make it a reality.

“Local residents and councillors were keen for something to be done and I’m sure everyone will be pleased with the result.

“We’re grateful to road users and the community for their patience, and to our new partner Octavius and the team for their hard work, and a fantastic end product delivered on time and on budget.”

The lead commercial manager of Octavius Regional Civil Engineering (ORCE), the contractor appointed to carry out the work, said: “Miners Arms was the first project awarded to Octavius as part of our new arrangement with Somerset Council, and we are immensely proud to have successfully completed an essential scheme which will significantly enhance long-term public safety and ultimately save lives.

“With the new staggered crossing in place, this junction will have a profound and lasting impact on road safety for all users.

“The project also presented unique challenges. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, traditional street lighting couldn’t be used.

“Additionally, we ensured that all original materials from the traditional dry-stone walls surrounding the crossroads were reused in the new design, preserving the area’s character.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with Somerset Council on many future projects.”