B&NES Council contractors are scheduled to start work resurfacing the Frome Road in Radstock from Charlton's Corner to the top of the hill by the bus stop, roughly opposite L&F Jones convenience store. The work is due to start (subject to unforseen circumstances e.g. severe weather, on 25th March, the Monday before Easter, and take five working days. The local schools close for their Easter break on Friday, 22nd March which will reduce some of the traffic peaks on the route. The road will be subject to a temporary closure order, whicle the contractors are on site, so it should at least be open by 7 p.m. daily.
Local resident and B&NES Alderman, Terry Reakes, said: "I am pleased the road is being resurfaced. Surely the Council should have considered night working. Businesses will be badly affected and it will be difficult for residents to get their cars in and out. This road is a major artery and should have been resurfaced at night.
"A golden opportunity to put in a pedestrian refuge near the Fromeway Inn has been missed, which could mean the surface being dug up in six months for it."
A letter to residents warns: "Vehicular access to and from properties adjacent to the site will not normally be permitted when the contractors are on site. Forward planning of trips from your property and direct liasion with the site staff will reduce frustration for local people and 'hold-ups' for the road works. Traffic marshals will be at the road closures to assist and advise. Depending on how the works progress and with the agreement of the Traffic Marshals, it may be possible to access/egress your property, travelling from an alternative direction."
B&NES Cllr, Roger Symonds (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Our substantial investment in proactive road resurfacing improves the quality of the carriageway and helps prevent potholes occurring. B&NES Council is aware that local people are very keen to see this stretch at Frome Road being resurfaced and following the completion of the project, this aim will be achieved.
"The programmes of improvements we are making really are making a difference on our roads. In the last two years, the amount the Council has paid out to drivers in claims due to pothole damage has decreased by 90%."