Somerset Council is introducing an innovative new system in Taunton to give buses priority at traffic lights and encourage more people to bus it to town.
Work starts on 24 March on signals along East Reach to install the new technology which will see a smart system effectively link oncoming buses with the signals and enable the lights to change and allow them through.
The system aims to improve travel times for passengers and help operators avoid delays. It is part of Somerset’s Government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The Council’s contractor will need to carry out some phased initial work at 3 sets of lights on East Reach between 24 March and 16 April. During the day 2-way traffic will be maintained. There will need to be some lane closures during the evening between 6pm and 11pm while work is undertaken under temporary lights.
The initial work is scheduled to take place at the following locations:
- South Street / East Reach junction: 24 March – 8 April
- Haydon Rd / East reach junction Civils Works – 1 April – 9 April
- Victoria Gate junction Civils Works: 10 April – 16 April
The new signals will then be installed during June and July under a temporary traffic lights system specially designed to minimise disruption.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins said:
This system will be hugely important in terms of improving bus journey times.
We want more people to bus it to work, the shops, school and education sites, as well as for leisure, and that includes Taunton’s excellent Park and Ride service.
We want buses to have priority when it comes to navigating through town, so bus users can feel real benefits in taking a more sustainable travel option.
The BSIP priority measures 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.
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.
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