Work is due to begin on The Butts and Butts Hill from, installing a new zebra crossing and other highway improvements near the junction of Water Lane and Somerset Road. The improvements form part of the Safer School Streets/Quiet Way scheme, a central government-funded project implemented by Somerset Council, active travel charity Sustrans and Frome Town Council.
Local signage is in place indicating the closure of Somerset Road between The Butts and Whitewell Road from Monday 17th February to Saturday 5th April. No traffic access is possible through the junction of Somerset Road and The Butts, in either direction. Temporary traffic lights will operate on The Butts and Butts Hill throughout, with overnight full road closures scheduled between 31st March and 5th April. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be in operation between Water Lane and Somerset Road throughout the work. The two bus stops on The Butts/Butts Hill will be out of use.
Cllr Anita Collier, lead councillor for road safety at Frome Town Council said “We’re pleased to receive details of the works on this long-awaited zebra crossing. For as long as I’ve been a town councillor in Frome, people have asked why there isn’t an official crossing at the busy junction of The Butts and Somerset Road. And they’re right; it’s a busy stretch of road and many people, including a high volume of schoolchildren, find it logical and convenient to cross there. An official crossing creates clarity about rights of way and makes the road safer for everyone.”
“Our colleagues at Somerset Council have devised the plan for the works with minimal disruption in mind, although of course all works of this nature represent some inconvenience. As with all such works, the schedule is subject to change, especially at this time of year when the weather is less reliable. Thank you for your patience while the contractors undertake this important work.”
Sarah Leeming, South of England Director at Sustrans, said: “This new crossing on National Cycle Network Route 24 complements the Safer School Streets work in Frome. During the engagement work carried out since autumn 2021, we sought the views of local residents and families, who shared their ambitions for a safer school run and improved streets. This crossing has been installed in response to concerns raised about this busy junction.
“Designing the streets around schools so that people are prioritised over traffic will make the school run safer, not just for families but for everyone choosing to travel by walking, cycling and using wheelchairs and children’s buggies.”
Somerset Council conducted a consultation of key stakeholders and residents of The Butts to finalise the plans, which will include sections of raised and coloured tarmac, speed bumps and additional yellow lines, in addition to the new crossing.
Queries about the crossing and about any aspect of the Safer School Streets project can be sent to engage@frometowncouncil.gov.uk. Dates, times and details of the works will be updated regularly at https://bit.ly/frome-school-streets.
