Improvements for Walking on Taunton's Obridge Viaduct

Major work to Taunton’s Obridge Viaduct will start next month, as part of Somerset County Council plans to improve pedestrian access along the route.

Pedestrians have walked along the viaduct’s approach grass verges for several years, rather than use the longer ground level network. The planned improvements will provide walkers with a dedicated and safe route along this part of the A358 by constructing pedestrian footways on both sides of the viaduct.

Somerset County Council will start work on Monday 10 August 2009 until Sunday 16 August 2009. Obridge Viaduct will be closed throughout the improvements and diversion routes will be in place to re-route traffic via the A38/A3259 (Monkton Heathfield).

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member – Environment, said: “The work on Obridge Viaduct is part of Somerset County Council’s commitment to improving access and facilities for pedestrians. The work has been carefully planned to avoid any major summer events in the town in an attempt to keep construction time and disruption to a minimum.”

The closure of the Obridge Viaduct will be in force for 24 hours a day for the duration of the works. This will enable the work to be carried out quickly and with due regard to the safety of the workers. The road closure will also be used to carry out key road maintenance and bridge inspection works on the viaduct.