VITAL working taking place on one of the key roundabouts into Bridgwater are set to be completed next month.

Somerset County Council has been carrying out work to improve Huntworth roundabout in Bridgwater.

The main set of changes are due to finish next month, but there will still be minimal work going on until October. 

The works requiring lane closures on the roundabout itself, which have been affecting traffic will be complete by the target date of July 22 in time for the school holidays and likely tourist traffic.

To ensure that this deadline is met, surfacing works will be undertaken from Monday June  27– July 18 between 6.30pm and 6.00am, during this time the traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic lights.

There will be some work on-going in the vicinity of the roundabout for some while longer; this includes the signalised crossing of Taunton Road on the roundabout’s southern arm (North Petherton end) and the provision of pedestrian / cycle facilities along the A38 on the southern approach to the roundabout which will link to ‘The Bridgwater Way’ works to provide a safe connection to Bridgwater town centre.

The disruption from this will be minimal and at least one lane will be open in each direction at all times.

The improvements will see capacity at the roundabout increased and traffic lights introduced to ease congestion and delays at peak times.

The new technology will enable the control of queue lengths on the link between the roundabout and the M5 Junction 24, minimising the risk of queues backing up to the motorway junction as much as possible.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “I'm delighted that the works that have been affecting traffic will be all but complete next month and I'm sure motorists will welcome that.

“We had planned for all the work to be finished in July but, as is often the case with major schemes, some elements are taking longer than expected. Thankfully any disruption caused by the remaining work should be minimal.

“We have ensured that management of the continued works off the roundabout itself will keep traffic moving as much as possible and one lane will be available at all times in both directions.

"It is expected that this final part of the works will be complete by the end of October.”

For more information on the scheme and to watch a short explanatory video, visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/huntworth