One of the main routes through the centre of Bath will be closed to traffic for five days in September for essential resurfacing work, ahead of the introduction of the Clean Air Zone early next year.
Queen Square in Bath | Photo © RogerMechan / Shutterstock.com
The work in Queen Square is being carried out from 7am to 7pm from Monday 14th September to Friday 18th September inclusive.
The existing road surface on all four sides of Queen Square will be removed and replaced.
New road markings will also be painted to direct the flow of traffic through new traffic signals, which have been installed in preparation for the launch of the Clean Air Zone.
As the roadworks involve the use of heavy machinery, Queen Square Park will also close for the duration of the works to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “It has been many years since the whole of Queen Square was resurfaced and the tarmac on the eastern side has deteriorated significantly.
“We know it’s an extremely busy route, so we’ve tried to keep disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum by tying in the resurfacing work with preparation work for the Clean Air Zone.
“All the work will be carried out during the day, so residents aren’t disrupted by overnight noise.
“The park is of course a little oasis in the heart of the city and well used by residents and visitors so we haven’t taken the decision to temporarily close it lightly.
“However, with big heavy machines operating in the area we need to ensure the safety of pedestrians. It will of course reopen once the work is complete.”
Throughout the works, diversions will be in operation and clearly signposted.
The Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will not charge private cars, was due to be switched on in November but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. A new launch date is expected to be agreed shortly.
The CAZ will operate in the city centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Charges will apply to pre-euro 6/VI diesel and pre-euro 4 petrol vehicles, except private cars and motorbikes.
