MOTORISTS were warned - but the major traffic jams in an area of Taunton have been causing a huge frustration all week.

There have been tailbacks in the Rowbarton area of the town as work got underway from Monday on upgraded a series of traffic lights.

St Andrews Road

St Andrews Road

The signals on Greenway Road, Kingston Road, St Andrew's Road, Priorswood Road and Cheddon Road have been in place for 40 years and are in a state of disrepair.

It's part of a £9million countywide package of work over the next three years.

The Rowbarton project is expected to take 17 weeks to complete.

Before the scheme started, residents, businesses and road users were warned by Somerset County Council is disruption, with temporary traffic signals and lane closures.

There are also going to be occasions when road closures are necessary.

Cheddon Road

Cheddon Road

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME:

  • All existing traffic signals will be fully refurbished – underground infrastructure which carries cables must be dug up and removed, along with new poles, and updated equipment installed which is user friendly, including for those who are visually impaired.
  • Overall this should improve traffic flow in this area of town.
  • The new signals and controls are low voltage and eco-friendly in line with Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy.
  • Kingston Road/Greenway Road - new crossing.
  • Kingston Road/St Andrews Road - improved pedestrian crossing and cycling facilities.
  • Priorswood Road/Cheddon Road - new crossing, better provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • There will be wider, improved access to the Rowbarton pelican crossings on Kingston Road.