Work to get underway to install new safety measures on Frome bypass
Construction begins later tonight
Somerset Council is underway its work implementing new safety measures to address serious and fatal collisions on the A361 Frome bypass.
The initiative includes resurfacing junctions, introducing lower speed limits, and adding central hatching.
These efforts follow last autumn's joint initiative with Avon and Somerset Police involving AI cameras that detect unsafe driving.
Starting today (11th May), the improvements will occur over three nights, requiring a full road closure between 7pm and 6am each night.
With around 15,000 motorists using the bypass daily, the A361 has seen five fatalities in the last five years.
Councillor Richard Wilkins emphasised the importance of driver behaviour as a significant factor in road safety concerns.
The AI cameras, operational since last year, have logged over 4,500 offences, with data showing instances like seatbelt violations and speeding.
Councillor Wilkins said: "We are continuing to develop plans for further phases of future schemes to improve the safety of the junction and in May will receive the output from the feasibility report which we will then we be able to review to consider the next steps around this.
"We share the concerns of the community about the number of incidents on this stretch of road. Driver behaviour contributes to around 90 per cent of serious road collisions we would urge all drivers – if you are getting behind the wheel of a car please act responsibly.
"The AI cameras installed last year have logged 4,500 offences in their first four months of operation, including 4,407 incidents of no seat belt being worn, 74 speeding offences clocked at over 80 mph and 119 instances of mobile phone use. We are continuing to support the Police on developing this project."
Further efforts, such as trimming roadside vegetation for improved junction visibility, are planned after bird nesting season.