Improvement work to a pedestrian subway and traffic signals, including the first low-level traffic signals for cyclists in Bath, is about to get under way, according to B&NES Council.
The council is carrying out the upgrades throughout September and October, alongside planned essential road maintenance, to improve facilities for road users and pedestrians as part of the council’s commitment to sustainable travel.
The Claverton Street subway, which passes under the A36 near Widcombe will undergo a substantial refurbishment, including waterproofing, new surface finishes, drainage improvements and installation of CCTV.
The signalised Brougham Hayes/A36 junction will also be upgraded, which will see a total replacement of the signals and resurfacing of the road.
Part of the refurbishment will also include a trial of low level traffic signals for cyclists.
The two projects are being coordinated with other roadworks taking place within Bath, ahead of the Christmas embargo, including utility works by Green Park Station which will be followed by resurfacing, which is taking place in and around the city centre.
From 10th September, access to and from Brougham Hayes onto the Lower Bristol Road will be closed for up to seven weeks while the signals are replaced and traffic islands rebuilt.
While the refurbishment of the subway takes place, pedestrians will be diverted to the existing crossing point on Rossiter Road, and a lane closure will also be necessary approaching the gyratory.
Councillor Mark Shelford, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, explained: “In addition to our ongoing programme of essential road maintenance, these projects will help to improve facilities for all road users particularly for pedestrians at very busy parts of the network and are part of the wider programme of sustainable travel which the council is committed to.
“We will be doing all we can to minimise delays, including working at night where practical and we thank road users for their patience whilst these works take place.”
Full details of the works are as follows:
Brougham Hayes junction: The existing signals have reached the end of their life and will be replaced to reduce failures.
While this takes place, the traffic islands will be re-profiled and the pedestrian crossings widened. The end of Brougham Hayes joining the A36 Lower Bristol Road will be closed to traffic for the duration of the work, however main road traffic will be mainly unaffected.
The official diversion for eastbound traffic will be along Lower Bristol Road to the Churchill Bridge gyratory, from there south along the A367 and use Upper Oldfield Park Road. Westbound traffic would be directed to the Globe roundabout on the A4, as this is the only suitable turning point and then directed to follow the eastbound diversion as above.
A small number of overnight closures of the A36 will also take place towards the end of the project to re-surface the road.
Claverton Street subway: The Claverton Street subway, which passes under the A36 near Widcombe will undergo a substantial refurbishment, including waterproofing, new surface finishes, drainage improvements and installation of CCTV.
Midland Bridge Road/Green Park Road/James Street West: Gas utility works will take place at various points around this area from 10th September to 12th October.
Lane closures will be necessary, having moderate impact on traffic and delays at peak times. Following completion of the utility work roads will be resurfaced under overnight closures.
James Street West, Green Park Road and Charles Street: Overnight resurfacing will take place at various points during the course of October. Local signage will advise of dates/times as appropriate. Traffic impact is expected to be minor.
