Banwell bypass: Century-long road project faces new delay
A six-month setback in water main work pushes the opening date for North Somerset's controversial bypass into late 2027.
By Pedro Tanaka ·
Drivers and residents in Banwell, North Somerset, must wait until later in 2027 for a bypass that was first proposed in 1927. A six-month delay in water main diversion work has pushed the completion date back from the planned summer. The project, which aims to reduce congestion in the village center, has now spanned more than a century.
North Somerset Council stated that the water main work is a prerequisite for further construction. The road build involves extensive ground improvements, including piling, which cannot proceed until the utility infrastructure is moved. Council Leader Mike Bell said work is still progressing on site. He noted that the long wait for the bypass will soon be over despite the setback.
The cost of the scheme has doubled since it was originally backed. The project started with £56 million in government funding through Homes England. The price tag has since risen to more than £105 million after the original contractor pulled out of the deal. The additional funds cover the revised construction requirements and extended timeline.
Local officials say the bypass will reduce traffic volumes by up to 78%. The route includes new paths for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. These paths will connect with the Strawberry Line, a former railway line now used for recreation. The design also incorporates woodland, wetland, and grassland areas.
Steve Voller, chairman of Banwell Parish Council, said the delay extends the inconvenience for villagers and those trying to pass through. He noted that congestion affects emergency services, citing an instance where an ambulance turned around because the village center was at a standstill. Voller emphasized that the stress is particularly high during peak times.
Roy Rice, a lifelong resident and local historian, recalled that his uncle Wally Richards helped survey the original route in 1927. Richards was 11 years old at the time. Rice said the bypass could help revive local commerce, as he believes 30 to 40 shops have closed over the years due to heavy traffic. He acknowledged the project would not solve every problem but could make a large difference.
Wally Rice, an 85-year-old former councillor, remembered discussions about the road dating back to his school days. He described decades of meetings where the project never seemed like a viable option. He stated the scheme is not a perfect solution but is a much better alternative to the current situation.
