The need for substantial drainage work will mean closing Bathampton High Street for a month from August 3rd.
Standing water is currently unable to drain away and is damaging the road surface making it unsafe for vehicles so the drains need to be dug out and repaired before the road is resurfaced.
B&NES say – as Bathampton High Street is narrow – a full closure will be required between the junction of The Normans to Dark Lane.
A signed diversion route for through traffic will be in place via London Road and Cleveland Bridge. Pedestrians will be able to safely use the route at all times.
More than 150 residents were sent letters from the council in June to notify them of the closure.
Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “These essential repairs will stop the road surface breaking up from regular periods of standing water and becoming hazardous. Once resurfaced, drivers will see a big improvement in quality and the road will be quieter for residents living nearby.
“We are pleased to be in a position to complete the works during August ahead of schools returning in September. We have been co-operating in advance with Bathampton Primary School to ensure that our works don’t impact on their own building works during the summer holidays and that vehicles can access their site when needed. We apologise for any inconvenience the road closure will cause but we trust residents and business owners understand this essential work will make sure the road is safe for all road users.”
Bathavon North ward Councillor Kevin Guy commented:
“We’ve worked hard with B&NES engineers to minimise the impact of this work, in line with residents’ wishes. This drainage work is absolutely essential, and we were pleased to be able to secure full resurfacing to be carried out over the same period to minimise disruption.
“We are also delighted be working closely with Bathampton Primary to ensure their vital school improvements are not delayed during this period. Site traffic for the school will be allowed to pass at designated times, which will help them keep to schedule.
“On completion, new and clearer road markings will be painted. These will be especially beneficial for the amazing 79% of Bathampton Primary pupils who usually walk or cycle to get to school. We hope that this will make their journeys safer and that they will be able to return to school in September.”
More information about the council’s streets and highways maintenance across the district can be found here
