Yatton High Street

Last updated: 2nd June

North Somerset Council consulted on a package of planned pedestrian safety improvements for Yatton High Street back in 2021.

After the completion of the ramp to provide a new access into Yatton Schools through the Co-op car park, work has now started to complete the rest of the project – which we are calling “Connected Yatton”.

2nd June update

Open letter to Residents – Jonathan Gall

Traffic Regulation Order notice of intent published – to install a raised table on the existing zebra crossing and carriageway surfacing, a raised table at the start of a proposed speed limit and speed cushions… in these locations.

1st June update

  • This morning I met with Hannah Young, the new Executive Member for Highways and Transport at NSC on site, and shared our utter exasperation with how this current first phase of the scheme is being delivered (not). Notwithstanding the real challenges the contractors have encountered, I saw no one on site this morning and no discernible progress at all this week – since the reassurances I/we were given last week (via the letter I shared). This is not good enough, and the Director at NSC is also now escalating this with Milestone (the contractors) at a senior level.
  • I also escalated the issue with the queues of traffic at both sets of temporary lights ‘conflating’, causing gridlock during the peak evening rush hour. I am told the High St works are required to have manual control on the signals at peak times to help with traffic flow. NSC also asked the North End works to do the same. Both sites were inspected last night, and this morning, and neither sets of lights were being manually controlled. Words have been had and I’m assured this will be rectified moving forwards.

26th May update

Open letter to Residents – Gemma Dando

28th April update

  • The contractors continue to lay new kerbing (including access kerbs over driveways).
  • The work being done includes installing some new gullies to improve the drainage and mechanical equipment has been needed to excavate where the team have encountered concrete.
  • Due to a planned road closure in Tickenham (with the diversion route through Yatton High Street) the raised zebra crossing cannot be installed until 30th May, as this will be undertaken during a nighttime road closure to reduce the impact on traffic.
  • The height of the raised zebra will be approximately 10cm. The purpose is to reduce the speed of traffic on the approach to the crossing and to reduce the number of incidents where drivers fail to give way.
  • Bus kerbs and markings will be installed between Atlay Court and Park Avenue in preparation for a new interchange bus stop and shelter.
  • I understand that the works are approx 10 working days behind schedule due to a number of complex drainage issues that have needed to be addressed.
  • Allowing for bank holidays, a revised programme shows completion of this section up to Laurel Gardens completing by 14th May. We can’t predict any further issues with the drainage but I’m staying optimistic! The team will then be moving over the railway bridge to the next section covering the Kenn Moor Road area.
  • I have asked for all traffic management to be stood down for the bank holiday weekend.

14th April update

  • The temporary traffic lights were stood down for the 4-day Easter weekend🚦
  • One side of Barberry Farm Road is now complete and the barriers have been removed. On the northern side, the council’s contractors are waiting on a new gully (drain) to be installed and the kerb removed as part of the raised hump for the Zebra crossing. This will be surfaced when complete. Temporary material has been laid to allow for pedestrian movements.
  • The main stretch of kerbing from Grassmere Road to Laurel Gardens has been removed ready for the pavement to be widened (with an area close to Grassmere Road left due to a drain). To maintain a 6m road width, the widening will vary but for the most part the pavement will be at least 60cm wider 📏
  • Recycling was collected today (14 April) and no further disruption to collections are expected ♻️
  • Thank you for your continued patience – especially when the queues are longest between 5-6pm 🚗🚙🚗
  • At North End, I have also asked for the 30mph limit to be extended along North End Road and a Traffic Regulation Order should be advertised in the next few weeks.

5th April update

  • As many have noted, the progress at Barberry Farm Road has been slow. The council’s contractors have experienced some delays after discovering damage to drainage pipes caused by one of the broadband providers when they installed their fibre optic cable last year. This resulted in a 4 day delay waiting for this to be repaired (at their expense), with the High St works put on hold. It has also been the wettest March here for 40 years ☔️
  • Both sides of the Barberry Farm Road junction will be completed by end of play tomorrow (Thurs) – with the exception to the surface course which will be done next Tuesday, after the bank holidays.
  • Over the Easter long weekend, the works on the pavement will barriered off, but the traffic lights will be taken down to allow the road to be fully open🚦
  • Yatton High St is a complex beast. It’s messy, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Thank you for your patience – and Happy Easter! 🐣

14th March update

  • The first phase of the work is the stretch of the High Street between Grassmere Road/Barberry Farm Road to the bridge.
  • Work started on Monday 13th March and this phase will last for an estimated 5 weeks.
  • This letter was delivered to residents on the High Street who will need to park elsewhere during this time.
  • I would urge all residents to be patient and understanding while the works and improvements are completed.
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Scheme objectives

The aim of the package is to improve safety and perceptions of safety for people walking, cycling and scooting within Yatton, particularly from the new developments at North End to Yatton village centre, including trips to and from school… and to increase the proportion of short journeys made this way.

We spent a lot of time reading through the 500+ responses and submissions to the consultation to further tweak the final scheme. There were also the inevitable delays and cost pressures given the inflationary times we currently live in.

These are the scheme elements we consulted on, and which will be delivered in phases between March and July/August 2023.

  • we will introduce a 20mph speed limit on the High Street (and all side roads) between the Wemberham Lane and Claverham Road mini-roundabouts to slow vehicle speeds and improve road safety
  • stretches of footway will be widened at narrow pinch points along the High Street
  • new and improved zebra crossings 
  • some junctions will be ‘squared off’ and crossing distances reduced – e.g. Kenn Moor Road, Barberry Farm Road
  • other minor alterations of signage and gullies to facilitate the works
  • school pedestrian and cycle zone enhancement – relining the Cherry Grove and Well Lane junctions with Stowey Road to divert drivers back to the High St and not past the school.

All our bus stops will be replaced over the next 1-2 years and we will install new interchange bus stops just south of the railway bridge.

There are a few other scheme elements that are currently being finalised, which will enable a re-route of the X5 bus service through Yatton after these works are completed. The DRT bus service launched on 3rd April 2023.