BE PREPARED for traffic chaos in Bridgwater as one of the busiest roads is made into a one-way system.

EDF Enegry is to carry out highway upgrades to improve Bristol Road and The Drove.

It means that Wylds Road will be made into a one-way system temporarily next weekend (January 21-22).

The upgrades are part of the development consent order for Hinkley Point C.

But Councillor Leigh Redman, who represents Bridgwater South on Somerset County Council said he feels Hinkley has been 'ignorant' to the amount Bridgwater will suffer as a result of the works.

Speaking to the Mercury earlier this month, he said: "When I first saw these proposals I was instantly struck by the obvious ignorance EDF feel towards our Bridgwater communities.

"I am concerned for residents and businesses in Bridgwater that will be impacted by the works in that area."

Improvements include widening the width of the right-turn lane from Bristol Road into The Drove and the junction made safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Traffic lights will also be upgraded at the Wylds Road junction with The Drove and a left-turn slip road created from Western Way into Wylds Road, together with safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

David Eccles, head of stakeholder engagement for Hinkley Point C, said EDF had worked closely with councils, organisations and residents on road improvements.

He added: "EDF Energy was determined to minimise the impact of the new power station by investing in local road improvements, we’ve already delivered £16 million of road improvements and this is the next phase.

“We have worked closely with local councils, organisations and residents on a series of road improvements across the area.

“The works in northern Bridgwater will improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and the new lights at The Drove will link in with others already in the town to help traffic flow more freely.”

During the works, temporary traffic lights will be manually controlled during busy periods to ensure disruption is minimised.

The upgrade will be complete by the summer and forms part of a package of improvements paid for by EDF Energy to provide a permanent lasting legacy from the new Hinkley Point C development.

A temporary bus stop will also be created at the junction of Wylds Road and Bristol Road while the work is carried out.