Somerset Council is replacing ageing traffic signals and upgrading crossings on Taunton’s busy Hurdle Way which will also improve access for cyclists, pedestrians and buses.
Both sets of traffic lights on the Hurdle Way/Mansfield Road and Hurdle Way/ Silver Street junctions need renewing as they are more than 20 years old and near the end of their working life.
The new lights will give more priority to buses and the Council will be improving pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities at the same time.
An on-road cycle lane will be introduced on Mansfield Road at its junction with Hurdle Way.
The new lights will be accompanied by ‘advanced stop boxes’ on the road. Commonly known has ‘bike boxes’ these give cyclists a safe place to stop ahead of other vehicles. The road will also be resurfaced.
Work is expected to start in early November and run into the New Year, with a pause for the Christmas period. Detailed dates and timings will be shared when they have been confirmed.
Temporary traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will be needed during the work, along with a one-way system to reduce congestion.
Towards the end of the works, evening or overnight road closures will be needed and these will be advertised well in advance.
Somerset Council will be organising a drop-in for the public and businesses where you can find out more about the scheme. More details will follow on the date, time and venue of this event.
Funding is coming from a ring-fenced Government BSIP grant to carry out these works.
The improvements to Hurdle Way are in line with Taunton’s Garden Town Vision, aiming to improve transport links in the town, making it easier and more attractive to use public transport and/or walking and cycling.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
These are very busy junctions and we are pleased to see this vital work taking place, replacing end of life equipment and taking the opportunity to make things better for pedestrians and cyclists.
Improving active travel routes and bus travel for people as part of its ongoing plans to move towards a better connected, greener and cleaner Taunton.
Our Bus Service Improvement Plan aims to make bus travel a more attractive and feasible option for people, ensuring buses can move through this route more quickly is a vital part of this.
We are aware there will be disruption at peak traffic times – the team will do their best to minimise this.
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If you spot a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily via the Council’s Report a problem on the road webpage.
