Last August Somerset County Council published its plans for improvements to the Library Junction. (You can read about the August 2021 proposals in an earlier post on this site). Following discussion with the town council, the County Council has had a fresh look at its plans and revised them. The latest proposals are shown above. A high resolution pdf can be downloaded here.
To quote from a Highways officer: ‘The new iteration of our design is attached and it does include some notable changes which have come out of our conversations. There is the inclusion of a speed table, which will incorporate an uncontrolled crossing. The end of High street has been narrowed to as far as it can be following swept path analysis on the junction, which will create a larger pedestrian area and improved sight lines for both motorists and pedestrians using this junction.’ The County Council also state that the town council’s original proposal ‘our designers didn’t feel could be introduced, as it didn’t fully comply with current guidance, especially on an “A” classified road.’
The town council is likely to discuss these new proposals at our 30 August 2022 council meeting. Please feel free to leave comments below.
As we said last time there’s no mention of the historic 19th century cast iron kerb which is a vital part of the towns history and aesthetic of the area. Surround by listed buildings and in a article 4 conservation area these should be kept. The ones that survive in Bristol are now protected. Another point to note is that there’s no mention of the cast iron street signs on the library so I assume those will be staying in place..
Regarding the plan of widening the pavements by the junction of Coombe street/Quaperlake Street. It may be difficult for vehicles turning up Coombe Street to avoid going over the other side of the road into the oncoming traffic, whilst making the turn. Also would there be sufficient room for vehicles to wait for traffic coming down Coombe Street. This route is used by a variety of vehicles traveling to the villages neighbouring Bruton.
By widening the footpath at the junction of the high street and Patwell street this will force HGV vehicles and agricultural vehicles further up towards Quaperlake Street. This will make those wishing to turn down Patwell Street have a tighter turn, if they are towing trailers they could mount the extended pavement in order to get round, this may cause a health and safety issue for Pedestrians. At the moment large vehicles are filtered into Patwell Street. Also vehicles coming down Quaperlake Street would be confronted by a large vehicle trying to turn closer to library corner with less time to respond.
I’m also with the top comment about the metal edging, it’s an interesting historical feature that should be preserved. Reduction of signage as much as possible would be good. Do we really that brown camp site sign when we have satnavs and other mobile devices to give directions.
Regarding the crossing point in Quaperlake Street opposite The Granary. No consideration has been given to the driveway from Quaperlake House. It is extremely difficult to exit from this driveway as it is, considering car from both directions . To add pedestrians to this manoeuvre would make it very risky indeed.
Regarding the crossing point in Quaperlake Street
opposite The Granary. No consideration has
been given to the driveway from Quaperlake
House. It is extremely difficult to exit from this
driveway as it is, considering cars from both
directions. To add pedestrians to this
manoeuvre would make it very risky indeed.
Any widening of this area to make it more pedestrian usable is long over due. It’s a shame the idea of a raised platform has been dropped as this would have decreased the speed of vehicles coming down the High St and made it a place for people to use. Bringing life into the town should be seen not a negative thing!
The junction should really try and get vehicles to stop at the High St Junction as so many cars just speed up Quaperlake St without stopping.
I support comments about retaining the historic metal curbing.
I very much support the removal of the small traffic island as this, despite widening of pavements, will make it easier for vehicles coming from the High Street to make their turn, left or right, with better sight lines and less awkward manoeuvres.
I very much support the widening of pavements as set out. The pavements on these corners are currently not safe and need addressing urgently.
I support the need for a crossing on the High Street, I am unclear of the value of one on Quaperlake, which appears less difficult to cross, and widening of pavements will help crossing.
The removal of the cast iron street sign and metal edging is contrary to the Bruton Conservation Area Appraisal which forms an adopted Document used by the district council. They should absolutely be retained and reused. They are of ‘great interest’ and their removal will have an affect on the setting of various listed buildings. The rest of the proposal is sensible and a vast improvement.