WHILE disruption is on the cards due to upcoming work on a major roundabout in Bridgwater, measures are in place to avoid traffic troubles during this year's carnivals.

Huntsworth roundabout is set to be improved in October, with safer cycling and pedestrian routes and an increase in traffic capacity.

Traffic lights will be introduced to control queue lengths on the link between the roundabout and the M5 Junction 24.

Pedestrian and cycle facilities will link to the Bridgwater Way works at North Petherton, creating a connection to the town centre. The current Bridgwater Way scheme will be completed before the Huntworth Roundabout works start, to minimise disruption. It is expected that the works will be complete by end of May 2016 and will require lane closures.

Although the improvements will be ongoing through both the Bridgwater and North Petherton Carnivals, "measures" will be taken to ensure that the impact of these construction works don’t affect the events.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Huntworth is a key gateway to Bridgwater and this work will help tackle congestion as well as improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The long-term benefits of the scheme will be felt for years to come. However, I accept and apologise that this scheme may cause some disruption in the short-term.

“We will continue to talk to local residents and businesses and listen to their feedback.

“The target start date for the works is the week commencing October 19.”

The works will mean that businesses can now occupy the Gateway site.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council said: “Sedgemoor staff and members have been working hard alongside Somerset County Council and local developers in order to find solutions to ensure this scheme can get underway and provide significant long term benefits for the town.

The improvements to Huntworth roundabout are important to enable and support growth in Bridgwater and increase the capacity and safety of this key entrance to the town.

“In particular these works will open up the Bridgwater Gateway site, which will provide significant job growth and provides a platform to support the supply chain in EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project.

“This news also provides clarity to the overall scheme delivery programme which has been a concern for the local community and Councils will work together to continue to ensure management of the works minimises disruption, to keep traffic moving.”

A meeting is being held at the North Petherton Community Centre on Thursday, Ocober 1.