The next phase of Bath’s controversial security measures, locally known as the ‘ring of steel’, is set to get underway in the coming weeks.
How the new bollards will look on Lower Borough Walls | Image © B&NES Council
Work to install sliding security barriers in Upper Borough Walls is nearing completion and the project will then begin in Lower Borough Walls.
Engineers are expected to start work in mid to late May.
The council is advising residents, businesses and Blue Badge holders about the planned closure of Lower Borough Walls in order to carry out the work, which is expected to take approximately five months to complete.
Lower Borough Walls will be closed from its junction with Bilbury Lane and remain closed for the duration of the work.
Bilbury Lane will also be closed for a short duration at the beginning of the works so utility diversion works can be completed.
The existing security measures that prohibit traffic between 10am and 6pm daily will remain in place for the duration of the works.
Exempt vehicles and cyclists will still be able given access to Bath Street and Stall Street via Hot Bath Street.
The works will affect all disabled parking bays located on Lower Borough Walls, which will be unavailable for the duration of the works. The disabled parking bays located on Beau Street will still be available.
Residents and businesses are being invited to a drop-in information session on 9th May in the Brunswick Room in the Guildhall from 11am to 3.30pm, where they will be able to meet the project team and give their feedback on the works approach and proposed management of waste collection and deliveries.
Once works begin, diversions for vehicles and cyclists will be in place and signposted, and marshals will be available to help traffic and do their usual security checks between 10am and 6pm.
Pedestrian access will be maintained along Lower Borough Walls for people who are walking or wheeling and the works in footways will be subject to pedestrian controls (like temporary walkways) to facilitate works and to keep people safe.
The council has said the construction works will not prevent traders, or their customers, from accessing their premises and all affected businesses and Blue Badge holders will be communicated with directly.
In advance of the works, trial hole investigation will be carried out to inform the scheme design, which will begin on 13th May, for approximately three weeks.
Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I’d like to thank businesses and residents for their patience.
“Our contractor VolkerHighways had to install the sliding bollards in challenging conditions because of the utilities and vaults under the street so it is great news that work will finish ahead of time on Upper Borough Walls and I am pleased to see the scheme is being delivered within the earmarked budget.
“The contractor is now moving onto the last leg of the scheme, which when it is finished will see the completion of a decision taken by the council’s cabinet to introduce a City Centre Security Scheme.
“As always, we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Due to the unique nature of the city and highway construction, the programme faces a number of challenges.
These include working above existing vaults and cellars, working in close proximity to utility apparatus and maintaining access to the restricted streets for exempt vehicles.
The council has carried out investigative works but until contractors get on site the construction timeline is estimated and completion dates can’t be guaranteed.
