Work to create safer walking and wheeling routes between three schools in Midsomer Norton will begin during the summer holidays.
Bath & North East Somerset Council will start construction on the Clapton Road and Redfield Road improvement scheme on 27 July.
The project will provide a safer route between Longvernal Primary School, St John’s Church of England Primary School and Somervale School, making it easier for children and families to travel through the area on foot or using mobility aids.
The first phase of the work is expected to be completed by 6 September and will include a new zebra crossing on Redfield Road between Somervale School and St John’s School.
Other improvements will include safer crossing points with narrowed junctions, dropped kerbs and tactile paving, as well as the widening and resurfacing of footways. Pedestrian access at the entrance to Somervale School will also be improved.
During construction, the section of Redfield Road between Church Lane and Steam Mills will be closed, although access will be maintained for residents. The council has scheduled the work to take place during the school holidays to reduce disruption for pupils, parents and other road users.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said, “These improvements will make a big difference to residents by creating a safer walking and wheeling route for children and families that links up three schools in the area. By creating better crossing points and footways, we are encouraging and supporting healthier journeys with the potential to improve air quality through fewer short trips taken by car.”
The project has received £500,000 from the Active Travel Fund through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and forms part of a wider programme of improvements to walking routes around Midsomer Norton.
Further phases are planned for Clapton Road, Paulton Road and other sections of Redfield Road, with construction dates still to be confirmed. The scheme also forms part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Active Travel Masterplan and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
The plans aim to make walking, wheeling and cycling a more practical and attractive choice for everyday journeys. The council said it will continue working with local schools, residents and other stakeholders as the later stages of the scheme are developed.
To see all transport improvements happening across Bath & North East Somerset, check out the council’s Transport Action Map.
