‘URGENT’ action to tackle problems at one of Weston’s roundabouts will be taken next month to prevent accidents.

Work to Hutton Moor roundabout, which will include relining the traffic island to stop drivers being in the wrong lane as they head out of or into town, will be started by North Somerset Council.

Further work will include increasing the length of approach lanes from Maltlands, moving the bus stop and creating a new footway.

Deputy council leader Elfan Ap Rees, executive member for highways, said: “These works are an urgent reaction to the problems at this roundabout which was originally designed by Avon County Council and had not anticipated the
retail park in Aisecome Way nor the levels of traffic now generated.”

Earlier this year the Mercury reported councillor Mike Bell’s concerns about the area, after he received complaints from motorists about the traffic at Flowerdown Bridge and the junction at Flowerdown Retail Park, in Aisecome
Way, which becomes ‘gridlocked’ at peak times.

These concerns followed layout changes during the multi-million pound Weston Package works. But action is being taken and the length of the two lanes approaching Hutton Moor roundabout from Maltlands will be increased to reduce queues over Locking Moor Road bridge.

A new pedestrian footway will also be created, with work set to start on August 4 for four weeks. Adjustments to Hutton Moor roundabout, to reline the area, will start on September 8 and will last three weeks.

Cllr Ap Rees said: “The traffic issue is not serious but obviously is worth resolving to avoid any accidents.

“In the past we have seen drivers in totally the wrong lane trying to cross in front of traffic in their correct lane, causing collisions both at the exit from Aisecome Way and on the outbound approach to Flowerdown Bridge.

“Longer term I am looking for grant funding to carry out further works here, for example possibly creating a third lane on the inbound exit from the bridge into Aisecome Way and reconfiguring the roundabout itself. However that needs to be properly evaluated to make sure it will be of benefit.”