YEOVIL NEWS: Roadworks will cause traffic mayhem

TRAFFIC chaos is about to be unleashed on Yeovil’s motorists when work on a major programme to improve transport links in the town gets underway on Tuesday (September 1, 2015).

The first phase of work will see an upgrade of the Horsey Roundabout near Yeovil Police Station, improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to help prevent unnecessary delays to traffic and increase the capacity of the junction.

The work will include alterations to the roundabout approaches, including changing the Brunswick Street mini-roundabout to a traffic light controlled junction, and relocating the existing pedestrian crossing on Hendford Hill.

BUT….in order to carry out the work safely and as quickly as possible, it will be necessary to close the roads at Hendford Hill, Brunswick   Street and Hendford from September 1, 2015, until November 30, 2015 – basically taking out of action three of the town centre’s busiest roads.

Signed diversions will be in place and the traffic management and working methods will be reviewed to keep disruption to a minimum.

Somerset County Council’s highways and transport spokesman, Cllr David Fothergill, said: “The upgrade of the Horsey Roundabout is an important milestone as it represents the start of a whole package of improvements to road links in and around Yeovil, covering both the Eastern and Western Corridors.

“Any improvements to the road network unfortunately involve a degree of temporary disruption, and I apologise for any inconvenience, but please remember this work represents a major investment in the town.

“When combined with the other improvements these should really help to improve traffic flow in the future, helping support Yeovil’s economic growth and increasing the capacity of the roads to support new development.”