Keynsham High Street has been closed to all traffic for an estimated three weeks to allow for excavation works as part of an ongoing town centre improvement scheme.
The current phase of the project will see the widening and rearranging of traffic islands at the Charlton Road junction and the construction of a contraflow cycle lane.
Traffic will be diverted along Ashton Way and Rock Road. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid peak times where possible.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which is undertaking the work, has reassured residents and visitors that Keynsham businesses are still open.
The local authority said it is working with traders to minimise inconvenience.
The project began on 1st June, with lifting of the existing paving and kerbs in front of the Methodist Church and laying of new high-quality materials. The section between the Post Office to Lloyds Pharmacy is now under development.
The scheme to revitalise the High Street is funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth and Getting Building Funds, administered by the West of England Combined Authority. It is also funded by the Combined Authority through its Love our High Streets programme.
Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development & Resources, said: “The Keynsham High Street works are progressing on schedule and it’s been great to see the new section of paving completed outside the Methodist Church and the adjacent shops.
“We can start to see how the project will rejuvenate the street environment and encourage trade.
“The phase of works starting next week requires substantial excavation across the width of the street to install drainage. Unfortunately this means the High Street will have to close to vehicles, but I’d like to reassure residents and visitors that businesses are still open and please do continue to shop local.
“We expect the road closure to last for three weeks and we will keep you updated. Sorry for any inconvenience caused during this time.”
The council was awarded £1.5 million through the West of England Combined Authority towards the cost of implementing the first phase of public realm improvements in June 2019 to help create a better retail environment, encourage an increase in footfall and support the local economy.
The project will deliver footpath widening and resurfacing, better signage and cycling and bus stop facilities on the High Street between Bath Hill and Charlton Road.
There will also be new street furniture, streetlights, landscaping and trees.
The rearrangement of the temporary one-way system on the High Street will enable opportunities for walking, cycling and other sustainable modes of transport.
The scheme is also being coordinated with Openreach works to upgrade their existing broadband infrastructure to full fibre ahead of the new paving being laid.
This will provide many Keynsham businesses and residents with faster, more reliable access to the internet.
