ROADWORKS scheduled to last eight months have started on the A4 between Keynsham and Saltford.
Work began on Monday September 8 to create a new access to a planned Curo development of more than 200 homes is being created opposite the hand car wash and La Famiglia restaurant.
The work 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 works are expected to take around 35 weeks to complete.
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.
Between 9.30am and 3pm, portable traffic signals will be used to manage traffic during off-peak hours.
Outside of these hours, the site will be reconfigured daily to allow two-way traffic, with portable pedestrian signals in place to help people cross safely.
This flexible setup helps avoid the need for traffic lights around the clock and aims to keep rush-hour traffic flowing more smoothly. On-site marshals will be present every day from 7am to 7pm.
Although the project will continue through the Christmas embargo period (November 24 to January 1), arrangements will be made during this time to temporarily restore full vehicle and pedestrian access to minimise disruption during the festive season.
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 to last 35 weeks
