Work on a new link road will go ahead in Taunton, western England after receiving final approval from Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.
The work is needed to improve east-west connections across Taunton and open up access to new development.
The overall US$32.07 million (£22.1mn) scheme will see Somerset County Council construct a new road linking Staplegrove Road in the west of the town to Priory Avenue in the east.
“This important scheme will help to reduce traffic demand through the town centre and significantly improve access to the Firepool area, unlocking land for vital regeneration - encouraging economic growth and inward investment,” said Baker.
"As well as relieving congestion in the town it will also help promote alternative modes of travel to the private car – improving access for pedestrians and vulnerable road users and providing an alternative bus route.
"The £15.2 million ($23.1mn) we are putting into this scheme shows that the Coalition Government is serious about investing in the infrastructure the country needs to drive economic growth and cut carbon dioxide emissions."
The scheme comprises the construction of a 1.6km-long new carriageway and realignment of a further 150m of existing carriageway; the building of a new bridge over the River Tone and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in the vicinity of Priory Fields Business Park; and the replacement of a former rail bridge and an existing footbridge over the railway.
Other scheme works are the provision of pedestrian and cycle facilities; a roundabout at the junction of Staplegrove Road and Chip Lane, linking to the western end of the Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR); a new signal-controlled access to the Railway Station; and modifications to the existing roundabout at the junction of Priory Avenue and Priory Fields, linking to the eastern end of the NIDR.
The scheme was among those given funding approval in 2011 as part of the UK Government’s Spending Review process. Work can now start on the construction with the project scheduled to complete in autumn 2014.
The work is needed to improve east-west connections across Taunton and open up access to new development.
The overall US$32.07 million (£22.1mn) scheme will see Somerset County Council construct a new road linking Staplegrove Road in the west of the town to Priory Avenue in the east.
“This important scheme will help to reduce traffic demand through the town centre and significantly improve access to the Firepool area, unlocking land for vital regeneration - encouraging economic growth and inward investment,” said Baker.
"As well as relieving congestion in the town it will also help promote alternative modes of travel to the private car – improving access for pedestrians and vulnerable road users and providing an alternative bus route.
"The £15.2 million ($23.1mn) we are putting into this scheme shows that the Coalition Government is serious about investing in the infrastructure the country needs to drive economic growth and cut carbon dioxide emissions."
The scheme comprises the construction of a 1.6km-long new carriageway and realignment of a further 150m of existing carriageway; the building of a new bridge over the River Tone and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in the vicinity of Priory Fields Business Park; and the replacement of a former rail bridge and an existing footbridge over the railway.
Other scheme works are the provision of pedestrian and cycle facilities; a roundabout at the junction of Staplegrove Road and Chip Lane, linking to the western end of the Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR); a new signal-controlled access to the Railway Station; and modifications to the existing roundabout at the junction of Priory Avenue and Priory Fields, linking to the eastern end of the NIDR.
The scheme was among those given funding approval in 2011 as part of the UK Government’s Spending Review process. Work can now start on the construction with the project scheduled to complete in autumn 2014.
