Somer Valley Enterprise Zone: Project overview

Contents

• Introduction
• Scheme evolution
• Scheme masterplan
• Highways and transport issues
  • Our ongoing transport research
  • Transport-related issues
• Technical assessments
• Project timeline
• Compulsory Purchase Orders

Transport-related issues

Our Transport research has found existing issues for which there are opportunities for improvement as part of the project.

Locations of potential transport issues identified during our preparatory research for the SVEZ project, together with proposed solutions

Select a topic below to review the findings so far.

The need to shift to more sustainable transport

We have recently adopted planning policy updates for new developments, specifying how they will need to deliver schemes which enable more sustainable travel options for those who live, work or visit these sites. The Enterprise Zone Masterplan anticipates this upcoming policy change by putting in place measures to promote walking and cycling, and support the use of ultra-low emission vehicles:

• We are preparing a Travel Plan for employees and visitors, showing how we will encourage sustainable transport.
• The Masterplan includes new walking and cycling connections to the Norton Radstock Greenway.
• The site will be equipped with charging points for electric vehicles, to enable an expected rapid increase in the use of ultra-low emission cars. View more detail about proposed Planning policy on electric vehicle charging, and what this will mean for charge point provision.

Congestion and safety on the A362

The A362 currently presents a number of issues for road users:

• There are inconsistent speed limits along the road.
• The road layout has several bends which affect the flow of traffic when larger vehicles need to pass.
• There are locations where vehicles cannot pass in two directions, leading to delays at busy times.

To accommodate traffic generated by the SVEZ, and ensure that the road is safer and more convenient to use in the future, we are proposing the following further research, and potential improvements:

• Reviewing the speed limit in Farrington Gurney
• Widening the road at 'Sunnyside,' so that vehicles can pass easily where there is on-street parking and without causing delays during busy times
• Removing the bends in the road at Langley’s Lane and providing a new roundabout providing access to the Enterprise Zone
• Examining the need for potential junction improvements at the Thicket Mead Roundabout, and the A37/A362 signalised junction at Farrington Gurney
• Assessing the future operation of the Radstock Road/ Station Road mini roundabout in Midsomer Norton and the A362/A367 double mini roundabouts in Radstock

Public transport provision

The existing bus stops at Old Mills on the A362 are not provided with shelters or real time information. We are proposing improved bus waiting areas with shelters, raised kerbs for boarding the bus more easily, and real time information. We will also improve the connection between the site and these two bus stops, and also the existing bus stop in the Tesco forecourt.

Pedestrian crossings

It can be difficult to cross the busy A362 next to the Enterprise Zone. We are proposing two safe and convenient crossing points for pedestrians, to give access to the new facilities on the site and connect with the local bus stops, Tesco, and Old Mills Industrial Estate.