High Street shuts for three weeks for major works
AMAJOR scheme to “revitalise” Keynsham town centre has led to the temporary closure of its High Street.
Roadworks expected to last three weeks began along the road yesterday with the closure in place 24 hours a day for all traffic.
First Bus has advised passengers to changes to five of its services while there is a diversion in place.
The closure is between the junctions with Bath Hill and Charlton Road, which is a stretch of public space that Bath and North East Somerset Council is trying to regenerate.
It is overseeing an eight-month scheme to improve the town centre, and has expressed the ambition to “revitalise the High Street and create a distinct, thriving town centre”.
Work started on June 1 to replace paving and kerbs, but the next phase of the improvements requires the road to be closed.
The council’s website advises: “The High Street will be closed to all traffic from June 28 for an estimated three weeks for excavation works, and to allow for the widening and rearranging of traffic islands at the Charlton Road junction and the construction of the contraflow cycle lane.
“Traffic will be diverted along Ashton Way and Rock Road. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid peak times where possible.”
The wider scheme of works, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, will include footpath widening and resurfacing, better signage, improved cycling and bus stop facilities, new street furniture, streetlights, landscaping and trees.
Last year some business owners raised concerns about the impact of the road closures on trade.
The council shared a statement last week reassuring residents and visitors that Keynsham businesses are still open during the closure.
It added that businesses and ward councillors have been consulted on the periods of closure.
First Bus has shared an update about its bus services serving the town, with diversions announced for numbers 17, 18, 39, 178 and 349.
It has advised passengers: “High Street in Keynsham will be fully closed 24/7 from First Bus on Monday June 28 until further notice to facilitate roadworks.
“Please note this supersedes the current timed closure for social distancing measures.”
Richard Samuel, deputy leader of the council, apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure.
He said: “The phase of works requires substantial excavation across the width of the street to install drainage.
“Unfortunately this means the High Street will have to close to vehicles, but I’d like to reassure residents and visitors that businesses are still open and please do continue to shop local.”
The councillor said the improvement scheme is progressing on schedule, adding: “We can start to see how the project will rejuvenate the street environment and encourage trade.”