Date published: 2026-07-17 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Roads, travel and transport
Work to make it safer and better for children and families to walk between three schools in Midsomer Norton is about to get under way.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is starting construction on the Clapton Road and Redfield Road improvement scheme on 27 July.
Once completed, people will benefit from a safer walking and wheeling route between Longvernal Primary School, St John’s Church of England Primary School and Somervale School.
The first phase of work, due to complete by 6 September, will include:
- A new zebra crossing on Redfield Road between Somervale School and St John’s School
- Safer crossing points with narrowed junctions, dropped kerbs and tactile paving
- Improvements to footways including widening and resurfacing
- Enhanced pedestrian access at the entrance to Somervale School
During construction, a section of Redfield Road between Church Lane and Steam Mills will be closed, with access maintained for residents. The council has planned these works to take place during the school holidays to help minimise disruption.
The scheme forms part of a wider programme of improvements to walking routes in the town and received £500,000 from the Active Travel Fund via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The wider scheme includes additional phases on Clapton Road, Paulton Road and other sections of Redfield Road, with dates to be confirmed.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said: “These improvements will make a big difference to residents by creating a safer walking and wheeling route for children and families that links up three schools in the area. By creating better crossing points and footways, we are encouraging and supporting healthier journeys with the potential to improve air quality through fewer short trips taken by car.”
The scheme forms part of the council’s wider Active Travel Masterplan and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which aims to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for more everyday journeys.
The council will continue to work closely with local schools, residents and stakeholders as further phases of the scheme are progressed.
To see all transport improvements happening across Bath & North East Somerset, check out the council's Transport Action Map.
ENDS