LAST WEEK saw the reopening of Bridgwater Road in Taunton as the new Creech Castle/Toneway junction became operational.

The multi-million-pound revamp of this crucial intersection will see improved traffic flow through the county town’s main transport artery as well as improved access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Work includes additional lanes on the approach to the junction, as well as new crossings for those on foot and bike.

A key feature of the project involved widening of the Bathpool Bridge on the A38 Bridgwater Road, which has been closed since August 2021 to enable the work to be undertaken. This is to increase the capacity at the junction as a result of local development and growth, and widen cycling and pedestrian facilities.

The new cycling and pedestrian crossing is the first in Somerset. Pedestrians will cross in two phases, whilst cyclists will be able to cross in a single phase.

Now the road is fully open to the public, the project team will concentrate on the finishing works around the junction and undertake additional landscaping works.

Pre-construction Director, Simon Dunn, said: “Griffiths are proud to have been part of this Active Travel Improvement and are delighted to see the scheme open to the public.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience during the construction and to congratulate the project team.”