ROADWORKS scheduled to last eight months have started on the A4 between Keynsham and Saltford.
Work began on September 8 to create a new access to a planned Curo development of more than 200 homes opposite the hand car wash and La Famiglia restaurant.
It marks the start of a larger project that includes further infrastructure improvements along the Bath Road between Fairfield Way in Keynsham and Grange Road in Saltford.
The overall roadworks are expected to take around 35 weeks to complete, with a schedule finish of April 30 next year.
Bath and North East Somerset Council has worked with Curo and its contractors to agree a traffic management plan that aims to minimise travel disruption, especially at peak times.
Red-and-white barriers were initially put in place on the south side of the road to create a pedestrian footway – particularly for pupils at Wellsway School – from just east of the car wash to opposite the Meryton Place Care Home.
The footway was due to be closed on September 29, to be replaced by two crossing points that would be managed by marshals.
A temporary 20mph speed limit will be in place along the roadworks while the Curo development is being built. This limit is expected to remain in place for 18 months, although it may not be in effect for the entire period and only as long as is needed to carry out the construction.
As well as creating a new traffic-light junction to the Curo development, the larger project that aims to improve facilities for walking, cycling and public transport along the route.
Existing footways will be widened to create separate dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes for much of the way, aimed at giving better travel links from Saltford to Keynsham Memorial Park and Keynsham railway station.
Bus stop upgrades will include the provision of level access, and two new zebra crossings and several uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points will be installed.
Curo is making a financial contribution to the A4 works as part of an agreement linked to its planning permission for 168 houses and 40 flats on the site south of the Bath Road.
Cllr Duncan Hounsell (Lib Dem, Saltford ward) has welcomed the A4 improvements.
He said: “This walking and cycling scheme will give people a choice as to how they can travel safely between the Saltford and Keynsham.
“I am delighted that the wish of Saltford Parish Council to have segregated pedestrian and cycle lanes is being met. Shared paths can be dangerous. This will allow schoolchildren to walk or cycle to Wellsway School and other local schools more safely. I strongly support this investment.”
Roadworks on A4 Bath Road set to last 35 weeks
