Introduction
We carried out a scheme on various routes in West Somerset and Sedgemoor to provide signage to indicate a diversion. This is for when the A39 or the A358 must be closed, for longer than two hours, in the event of an accident or emergency.
The Police are responsible for the activation and operation of a route, which includes providing manpower to designated points. The scheme was named as Operation Wader.
The Scheme
This signage will provide a pre-planned route for light vehicles unable to continue along the main routes with the aim of minimising the amount of congestion that currently occurs. Due to height and weight restrictions in place along a number of routes, heavy and long vehicles will be stacked by the Police immediately inside the closure, another appropriate location, or diverted using the existing lorry route (A38/B3190).
Work was undertaken on this project between representatives of Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset and Devon Fire Authority, West Somerset Strategic Partnership and The National Trust.
Funding was then requested for this scheme under the Council’s Small Improvement Schemes programme by the four West Somerset County Council Members at the time.
Contact the team
Address: Engineering Programme Team, Somerset Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY
Email: ltpdelivery@somerset.gov.uk
Downloads
There are now routes mapped and signed in the event of a closure on the A39 and A358.