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Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: “Residents will start to see people on site around Banwell over the next few weeks with new contractors undertaking the construction preparation works that Alun Griffiths failed to progress back in February. These works demonstrate North Somerset’s commitment to the Banwell bypass, as we continue preparing the area ready for main construction to begin.
“Over the past few weeks, we have had several positive conversations with contracting firms and are making progress on our next steps towards finding a new construction contractor to take on the main build. We’re confident in the quality of the design and what we can deliver and, by working closely with our partners at Homes England, we still hope to get spades in the ground this year. We look forward to sharing more details when we can.”
North Somerset Council successfully secured Compulsory Purchase Orders needed to build the Banwell bypass in January. The council also secured planning permission and additional funding for the long-awaited scheme last year.
The bypass is set to remove long-standing traffic congestion from Banwell and also includes miles of walking and cycling paths, as well as substantial bio-diversity net gain.
In addition, the bypass is key to unlocking future housing sites in North Somerset, which are vital in seizing opportunities presented by regional growth. Environmental enabling works are expected to take place over the next two months.
The Banwell bypass is funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund and by North Somerset Council. To find out more about the scheme, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/banwellbypass