Local businesses are reeling from the latest announcement of up to 3 months’ traffic chaos early next year while work takes place to replace gas mains in High Street and Temple Street.
Just as attention starts to focus on the completion of the civic centre redevelopment and a return to normal conditions, Wales and West Utilities has announced it will be replacing over 1200 metres of gas pipes in the town centre starting on Monday 6th January. The work is due to take between 8 and 12 weeks.
A one way system will operate in Keynsham High Street
Several, but not all residents and businesses in the affected areas, have received letters from Wales & West Utilities explaining that the £300,000 project will replace ageing steel pipes with modern, plastic alternatives which have a lifespan of around 80 years. Full details of the precise timetable and likely disruption have yet to be published but the whole of High Street and Temple Street will be affected as well as Dapps Hill and Cedar Drive. It is understood this work was originally scheduled for last year but postponed due to the civic centre regeneration.
One way system
During previous debates over Keynsham’s long awaited transport plan, there have been calls for a one way system to be trialled in the High Street. Now, thanks to the gas mains work, that is going to happen anyway. A temporary one way system running from Bath Hill to Charlton Road is anticipated to be in place from 20th January to 28th February. Deliveries to local businesses will be accommodated, according to Wales & West, but disruption to local bus services will also be inevitable. For more information residents can call 02920 270653 or e-mail: customer.enquiry@wwutilities.co.uk.
