Gas mains work at A4 Bath Road, Saltford – January to April 2024

(Article updated 28 March 2024 – for works commencing on this date see ‘Future A4 roadworks in 2024 (Phases 2 & 3)‘ section)

SPC has been informed that Wales & West Utilities are scheduled to undertake essential gas mains upgrade works along the A4 Bath Road in Saltford in 2024. Works will take place in a series of phases over the year.

The location for Phase 1 works on the A4 is from close to the Grange Road junction in Saltford to near the Pixash Lane junction in Keynsham. Barring any significant engineering difficulties, SPC has been informed that Wales and West anticipate that these works will be completed by April 2024.

Phase one of these works began the week commencing 2nd January 2024. B&NES Council, the Highways Authority, has shared that these will be off peak working only (9.30-14.30) and a mixture of 2 way temp signals, with works in the footway which will hopefully not cause any traffic disruption.

More detailed information shared about Phase 1 by Wales and West Utilities is as follows: “Phase 1 of the works will involve upgrading 1km of old metallic gas main, as well as upgrading associated service pipes to affected businesses and properties.  Due to the traffic sensitive nature of this route, works will be carried out during off-peak hours (0930-1430) and any requirement for 2-way lights will be limited to minimised disruption. Wales and West’s records indicate that the gas main runs along the footway, so they are hopeful that any encroachments into the carriageway are minimal.”

Any relevant progress reports on these works sent to Saltford Parish Council by Wales and West will be shared on SPC’s Facebook page. Please follow Saltford Parish Council on Facebook or else view the right-hand side bar on this website which shows recent social media posts.

Future A4 roadworks in 2024 (Phases 2 & 3) inc. A4 Bristol Road works (nr Globe Roundabout)

Further to the above works, Wales and West Utilities (WWU) are in the process of reviewing phase 2 of works, which will involve work on Bristol Road, near to roundabout by A39/The Globe Inn.  This section of works had been added to Wales and West Utilities programme as during their discussions with BANES, WWU were advised that resurfacing works are due to take place and with the extensive number of leaks this gas main has experienced – it was thought wise to include these works to avoid having to excavate on a newly resurfaced carriageway.

SPC was informed in early March, as shared on SPC’s social media, that B&NES Council had removed c.£600,000 resurfacing of the highway works planned in their highway maintenance programme for 2024/25 due to pending utilities works. It is unknown when these works will now take place between Uplands Road in Saltford and the Globe Roundabout.

SPC understands that the A4 Bristol Road utilities works are due to take place starting on 28 March until 12 April (to coincide with the Easter holiday break when there is less traffic). SPC has requested further information from Wales and West Utilities to share with residents, however should residents have any queries about the works they are requested to contact W&WU directly.

B&NES Council, the Highways Authority, has indicated that similarly to their recent setup between Uplands Road and the Broadmead Roundabout, ‘two-way lights will be the highest form of traffic management with adjustments made where possible to allow two way traffic flow’.

Image above taken from One.Network on 27 March, prior to works information being updated but showing general location of WWU works starting 28 March until 12 April

Phase 3 will then involve the upgrading of all outstanding metallic gas mains in Saltford which would then make Saltford an “all PE” network.

Mead Lane works as originally planned for summer 2024 (as referred to in SPC’s recent SCAN article) have now been postponed until further notice due to Wessex Water’s ongoing works at their treatment centre. In March 2024, B&NES Council shared that these had been postponed for a couple more years  ‘due to increased vehicle movements still being observed near the Wessex Water facility’. Once SPC has been made aware of any future plans for these it will look to share with residents.

To stay up-to-date with planned roadworks (and some emergency roadworks) in the B&NES area visit the One.Network website at https://one.network/ This is the easiest way to find out about local roadworks, including who is carrying out the works, duration, times etc.

(Please note: SPC shares information received from the Highways Authority (B&NES Council). If deemed by B&NES as significant ‘high profile’ works due to level of anticipated duration or disruption SPC may received further information from utility companies (as above). Parish Councils have no say or powers regarding planned or emergency roadworks, and are not always provided with details. SPC aims to keep residents informed via its website and social media based on resource and the available information received).

Image taken from One.Network on 02/01/24 – check the One.Network website for up-to-date information on planned roadworks in the B&NES area