The next phase of traffic controls for the construction of the planned Agratas battery facility will begin in Bridgwater next month.

The works, being carried out by Agratas’s contractor, JSM Group Services Ltd, are needed to install underground power cables connecting the Gravity site in Puriton to Bridgwater’s electricity substation.

The first phase of the project on Westonzoyland Road and Bower Lane is almost finished, and further work on Bower Lane and the A39 Bath Road start soon.

• Bower Lane: The southern section is scheduled to be closed in phases from Monday 9 September to late December.

• A39 Bath Road: Work due to start on 19 September and run until mid-November, with a one-way system from Crandon Bridge to the junction with Bower Lane. Traffic will only be able to travel towards Bridgwater. The signed diversion route will be via Junction 23 and then south via the A38.

-- Advertisement --

Diversions will be clearly signposted and access maintained at all times for directly affected businesses and homes.

Any one-way arrangements will be lifted for the Carnival season between 30 October to 4 November. Traffic management is scheduled to be paused over the festive period, between 2 December and 2 January.

At the start of the New Year, traffic controls will also be needed on the A39 Puriton Hill. Details are being confirmed and we will provide further information when it is ready.

An Agratas spokesperson said: "We're working with Somerset Council to connect our site to Bridgwater’s power station. We recognise this will cause some disruption to roads and traffic in Bridgwater and are doing everything we can to keep this to a minimum.

"The works will enable us to drive forward with the next phase of development, bringing us one step closer to completing our £4bn facility which will bring thousands of jobs and training opportunities to the region."