Bridgwater Enhances Bus Network Without Major Road Disruptions

The council updated its bus plan and secured £6.2m from the government to improve bus services. Infrastructure updates are also planned, along with subsidized fares.

Bridgwater may get a new transport hub, similar to Taunton’s planned hub. Traffic signals might be changed to speed up bus trips.

Luckily, upgrades won’t mean more road work, council officers assured. Local councilors are relieved by this news.

A council member spoke about Bridgwater, asking for quick project rollouts to avoid more disruptions there, as Bridgwater has many road projects now.

These projects include the Celebration Mile and the Dunball roundabout upgrade. Energy work supports a new gigafactory, yet businesses want compensation for losses. The council is not legally obligated to pay.

Traffic signal changes will not cause big road work because the new system is tech-based, upgrading signal boxes instead. They will not build new bus lanes.

The council will study a Bridgwater transport hub that could replace Watsons Lane station now.

Taunton’s new hub costs £2.7m and opens this year, featuring bus bays and EV chargers. It also offers bike storage, taxi spots, and creates walking and cycling links.

They will look at Bridgwater’s evening buses, planning service improvements and trials. The Bridgwater hub study happens too.

Bridgwater’s hub won’t happen soon, as the funding is only for one year. More funding may come after 2026 when the government reviews spending.