A39 works to reduce traffic

Journey times and congestion should be cut by an £890,000 scheme to make further improvements along the A39. Work is set to get under way after the August bank holiday to add a new lane at Bences Garage junction in Marksbury, where the road connects with the A368. Thousands of vehicles travel through the three-armed junction every day, but the layout needs improving to reduce journey times. Bath & North East Somerset Council has secured £700,000 towards the scheme from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), through a fund administered by the West of England Combined Authority. The project will build on improvements made last year to the Two Headed Man junction on the A39, which was also partially funded through the local growth fund. LEP chair Professor Steve West said: “To realise our ambitious plans for growth in the region, we have to invest in our transport infrastructure. “The improvements at this junction will help to support economic growth in Keynsham, Bath, the Somer Valley and further afield.” Councillor Mark Shelford, B&NES Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “With the help of Weca and the local growth fund we have been able to tackle two significant pinch points on our network, which not only have immediate benefits but also anticipate future demand.” West of England Mayor Tim Bowles added: “I am committed to getting people moving in our region, improving existing transport routes to support new homes and access to employment. “Weca and the LEP have already allocated millions to kick-start improving our busiest routes including rail, road, cycling and walking.” Further details of traffic management will be released by B&NES Council ahead of the works starting. The improvements are scheduled for completion later in the autumn.