(Last updated 23 October 2024)
Please see SPC’s article titled ‘A4 Roadworks by Wales & West Utilities: Expect delays Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan and Feb 2025‘ for more information, including about the overall scheme of WWU works on the A4 in/near Saltford.
Wales & West Utilities (WWU) and B&NES Council have updated Saltford Parish Council on the upcoming major works near The Globe Inn Roundabout, which start on 25 October and end on 3 November (during the half-term school holidays). Residents will see that pre-warning signs are also in place on the highway to advise of these works and to expect delays.
Information from B&NES Council (the Highways Authority)
Long delays are expected in the area according to B&NES Council. B&NES Council has also stated that, from a network perspective, they have placed a large embargo to stop other impactful works not only in the area but to other major routes that may be used throughout this period.
SPC has been advised that requested works in the embargoed area in and around Saltford during the WWU works have been refused by B&NES Council. B&NES Council has added that requested roadworks beyond the large embargoed area have also been refused by B&NES Council to help ensure traffic flow in the area. (Please note that emergency works on the highway, if required, may still go ahead if an urgent situation arises in the embargoed area).
SPC has been informed that ‘Access only’ signs will be placed at each end of Corston Lane whilst works are in progress.
All bus stops will remain operational during the period of works.
National Rail works 28-31 Oct – no services Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (inc. Keynsham)
Coinciding with the Wales and West Utilities works at The Globe Roundabout are National Rail works between 28 and 31 October. National Rail is carrying out works on St Anne’s tunnel which will stop services between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa (including Keynsham and Oldfield Park) between 28 – 31 October.
Network Rail has shared the following information about their services:
Train services on Sunday 27 October:
- No train services between Bath Spa and Westbury
- Trains will still run between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads or Cardiff Central. Plus between Westbury and Portsmouth Harbour or Weymouth
- Replacement buses are planned between Bath Spa and Bradford-on-Avon or Westbury..
Monday 28 – Thursday 31 October, the track renewal in St Anne’s Tunnel will be taking place:
Train services Monday 28 – Thursday 31 October:
- No train services between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads (including Keynsham and Oldfield Park)
- Trains between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads use another route and won’t stop at Chippenham or Bath Spa
- A reduced train service will operate between London Paddington and Bath Spa via Chippenham
- Trains will run between Cardiff Central or Gloucester and Bristol Temple Meads. Between Bath Spa and Portsmouth Harbour. Plus between Westbury and Weymouth
- Replacement buses are planned between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads
- You can also use local bus services instead between Bath and Bristol – check www.GWR.com/upgrade for details.
After learning about the National Rail works on 18 October, B&NES Council has been in contact with National Rail to explore possible mitigation measures. However Network Rail’s planned arrangements could not be changed.
Wales and West Utilities works could also not be delayed. B&NES Council had shared previously that the section near the Globe roundabout became problematic in July, and for safety reasons WWU cannot delay works planned for half term if they are to stay within the regulatory timelines.
Network Rail has since been in contact with SPC about planned works, as above. They have also shared the following: “Motorists advised to plan ahead during essential gas works near A4 Globe roundabout 25 Oct – 3 Nov. While no road closures are needed, the A4 Globe Roundabout will be controlled by temporary signals, with long delays expected. Other major routes that may be used as alternatives by road users are being kept clear of works”.
If residents would like to ask any further questions about the works they can do so via National Rail through their 24-hour helpline 03457 114 141 or find more information on their website: https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/crucial-engineering-work-in-the-bath-area-affects-rail-journeys-this-autumn
One.Network Information
These works are listed on the One.Network website at https://one.network/?GB140286925
To keep aware of upcoming or existing roadworks, please use the One.Network website to plan journeys. Please note that works listed as ‘Advanced Planning’ will have yet to be approved by B&NES Council to proceed. Approved works will show under ‘works status’ as ‘Granted’. If ‘PAA’ (Provisional Advance Authorisation) shows, this is a strong indication that works will be granted by B&NES Council.
Image shows One.Network screengrab of The Globe Roundabout
Message from Wales & West Utilities:
Wales & West Utilities is progressing well with its work to upgrade the gas pipes in the A4 Bristol Road area of Corston. The work is essential to increase the network capacity, keeping the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come.
It has been agreed with Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) that four-way traffic lights will be in place on the roundabout by The Globe Inn between 25 October – 3 November. During this time motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
Wales & West Utilities Simon Lee is managing this gas pipe upgrade work and said:
“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”
Wales & West Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999.
Alternatively, you can contact Wales & West Utilities on X, formerly Twitter @WWUtilities or https://www.facebook.com/wwutilities.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.
Information on the works can be found on the WWU website: https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/news-and-blog/corston-gas-pipe-upgrade-progress/
Image shared by WWU of Globe Roundabout works. Four way portable signals will be required due to proximity with the roundabout, with a signal head on each adjoining road, The A4 Bath Road, A4 Bristol Road dual carriageway, Pennyquick and A39 Wells Road.
Information for residents from B&NES Council (the Highways Authority)
Further to the information shared above from B&NES Council about the works and their engagement with WWU and National Rail, as the Highways Authority they have shared a press release about the A4 Globe Inn roundabout works on the B&NES Newsroom webpage.
The information shared by B&NES Council advises the public about delays and avoiding the area if possible through its social media and newsroom channels. Please see https://newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/news/a4-globe-roundabout-roadworks-please-plan-your-journey
B&NES Council Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Highways said: “We’ve worked with Wales & West Utilities to minimise the impact these works will have on the highway network but given their location and impact on the A4 Globe Roundabout, we do expect delays. We specifically allowed these works to take place over the school holidays to take advantage of reduced traffic.”
Both B&NES Council and Wales & West Utilities have also deployed variable messaging signs to inform road users of the upcoming works.
Saltford Parish Council’s communications
SPC welcomes the communications it has received in advance of the roadworks from Wales and West Utilities and B&NES Council, and has updated this page on 23 October with information received from Network Rail too.
SPC welcomes this information to share with residents both here and on its social media. Please view our Facebook and X feeds for posts shared in advance about these works.
Saltford Parish Council is not consulted on roadworks by B&NES Council (the Highways Authority) though – and as on this occasion – the Parish Council may be given additional information relating to significant road works that could cause major or longer-term disruption to Saltford and its residents.
SPC is just the messenger. If Saltford residents have any enquires, complaints or comments about the works, please contact Wales and West Utilities directly.
How can residents find out more or contact Wales and West Utilities?
SPC has added all the information is has received to its website. Please see the article linked at the start of this page for more information, or search SPC’s website for ‘A4 roadworks’. For further information please contact Wales and West Utilities, details as above.
Wales and West Utilities can also be contacted via the Customer Service Team on freephone 0800 912 2999, or through their X and Facebook accounts.
Information on the works can be found on their website: https://www.wwutilities.co.uk/news-and-blog/corston-gas-pipe-upgrade-progress/