Galliford Try has taken over as the new contractor to deliver the Banwell bypass for North Somerset Council.
The contract follows months of negotiations after the original contractors, Alun Griffiths Contractors ltd, stepped down from the project in March.
The bypass is set to remove long-standing traffic congestion from Banwell and include miles of walking and cycling paths, as well as substantial bio-diversity net gain.
In addition, the bypass aims to unlock future housing sites in North Somerset.
Following Alun Griffiths pulling out, the council restarted environmental enabling works needed to build the Banwell bypass in April, including new planting, fencing and some vegetation clearance.
Galliford Try will first complete preparatory works and any remaining detailed design to discharge remaining planning conditions.
The contract with Galliford Try is in two stages — the first stage includes preparatory works and detailed design and the second includes main construction.
North Somerset Council will take a decision on proceeding with the second stage of the contract at Full Council in autumn.
The project is funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, a government capital grant programme of up to £2.3 billion, for new physical infrastructure which will unlock sites in the areas of greatest housing demand and help to deliver up to 100,000 new homes in England.
Liz Bell, operations director at Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be working together with the North Somerset team to bring this project forward, and help play our part in improving the lives of local people.”
Councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for major projects, said: “Banwell bypass is a vital scheme for North Somerset, one that will alleviate a century of traffic congestion from Banwell village and will also unlock sites for new housing, helping us grasp the benefit of regional growth.
“It’s a scheme we’re immensely proud of and keen to deliver and, despite setbacks over these past few months, I’m pleased to say that we’re still on track toward starting construction this year.
“Working with Galliford Try has been incredibly positive so far and I’m excited to continue our work together as we get the scheme delivered.”
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