New plans by Bath & North East Somerset Council for an upgraded road system for Radstock will substantially reduce existing traffic congestion and support the development of the Former Railway Land resulting in a vital kick start for the local economy.
Local residents are invited to give their view on the new proposals by the Council at a public exhibition taking place on 9th and 10th December 2011 at Radstock Methodist Church. This forms part of a wider consultation running up to 20th December 2011.
Proposals had been put forward by the Council earlier in the year for an upgraded road system to help people move around the town better and pave the way for 210 new homes on the Former Railway Land. New public space in the town would also be opened-up for people to shop in and enjoy, creating more than 40 new jobs and generating £1.6 million for the Somer Valley area.
Following feedback from businesses and residents about the proposals, the Council has substantially modified these making significant improvements to address concerns raised during the initial consultation.
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “There is strong support for regenerating the town and creating new jobs and homes for local people. Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to supporting the actions required to make these aims a reality, which includes upgrading the road network.
“The road link between Frome Road and The Street remains part of our proposals. We have listened carefully to what people have said and are changing those aspects which caused greatest concern. The end result is that the new plan cuts congestion and boosts the economy. Studies using the latest traffic models, predict that queues entering and leaving the town will significantly decrease. Pedestrian safety will be improved and the modified scheme continues to support the development of the Former Railway Land. I hope as many people can respond to the consultation on the Traffic Regulation Orders required to progress this new plan.”
What are the new proposals?
The main aspects of our proposals are as follows:
- New road link between Frome Road and The Street will have an HGV ban from the west;
- Frome Road will remain two-way and the proposed one-way bus gate at the A367 junction will be removed – a 20 mph limit is now suggested;
- A mini-roundabout will replace the proposed signalised junction at the link with The Street;
- The existing double mini-roundabout at A367/ Frome Road will be retained and a new mini-roundabout at A367/ The Street will be built;
- The Street will become two-way and the direction of traffic on Fortescue Road will be reversed to become northbound;
- The proposed right turn ban out of Church Street will be removed;
- New pedestrian crossings will improve access by foot across The Street, the new link road and Frome Rd.
The Council investigated moving the electricity substation to build a single roundabout. The works necessary to complete this part of the project would cost £1.4 million alone – more than doubling the cost of the scheme unnecessarily.
A study has been commissioned to look at the potential for re-opening the rail line. This will be made public when complete. Our road network proposals are ‘future proofed’ to accommodate any future rail development.
Have your say…
We are consulting on the proposed modifications to the Traffic Regulation Orders required to implement our proposals. These are the ways to comment.
1.A Public Exhibition will be held at Radstock Methodist Church, The Street, Radstock, Bath, BA3 3PL, on Friday 9th December 3pm – 9pm and Saturday 10th December 2011, 12.30pm – 5pm
2.Online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/regenradstock where more detailed information about the proposals is contained or email transportation@bathnes.gov.uk
3.Write to us at: Bath and North East Somerset Council, Planning and Transport, Floor 2, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1LA
For general queries on the plans call: 01225 394408.
Comments on all aspects of the road network proposals are welcome. The closing date for receiving written representations on the modified proposals is Tuesday, 20th December 2011.