Region: North Somerset

A major package of improvement works on West Town Road, Backwell, are set to begin as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading the district’s road network. 

The works will take place in six phases between Monday 16 March and Friday 26 June 2026, covering the stretch from the junction with Rushmoor Grove to the junction with Fairfield Way, with different traffic management arrangements in place throughout the programme.  

As part of the works, the A370 will be shut between 7am – 7pm on Monday 13 April – Friday 17 April 2026 and a nighttime closure between Monday 15 June – Friday 26 June 2026. Diversions will be put in place and road users are encouraged to allow additional time for their journeys.  

The scheme includes a range of essential maintenance and improvement activities, such as: 

• renewing and maintaining the highway drainage system
• carriageway resurfacing
• replacing and repairing damaged ironworks
• refreshing road markings and signage
• clearing overgrown vegetation
• installing new bus priority traffic lights
• introducing a new 20mph zone
• installing a new pedestrian crossing
• six new bus shelters.

Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “This is an important and much needed programme of works for Backwell, and I’m pleased to see it moving forward. These improvements will not only enhance the condition and safety of West Town Road but will also support our wider commitment to creating a thriving and sustainable district. By maintaining highway drainage apparatus, improving crossings, and introducing a new 20mph zone, we’re helping to create safer, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods for residents, businesses and all road users.” 

The works are required to preserve the integrity of the road and its underground infrastructure, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and improve overall road safety. The improvements will also support key priorities in the council’s Corporate Plan, including creating a Thriving, Sustainable Place, and contribute to the North Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy by helping to reduce flood risk through improved drainage resilience. 

Programme of works 

Phase 1 – 16 March to 10 April 2026  

Temporary multiway traffic signals (24 hours). 
Works between Rushmoor Grove and South Field Farm, including drainage maintenance and installation of bus service apparatus. 

Phase 2 – 13 to 17 April 2026  

Full road closure between 7am and 7pm. 
The road will be impassable between Rushmoor Grove and Rodney Road. 
A signed diversion will be in place, with access maintained for residents and businesses. 
Traffic Marshals will support access during working hours. 

Diversion route: Farleigh Road, Main Road, Old Weston Road, Clevedon Road, Barrow Street, Long Ashton Bypass, Colliters Way, Bridgwater Road, Potters Hill, Bristol Road, Red Hill, Church Road, Station Road, Bypass, Stock Lane, Brinsea Road, High Street, Kent Road, Rhodyate Hill, West Town Road (and vice versa). 

Phase 3 – 20 April to 1 May 2026  

Temporary multiway traffic signals (24 hours). 
Works between Rushmoor Grove and Rodney Road, including drainage works and installation of the 20mph zone. 

Phase 4 – 4 to 29 May 2026  

Temporary multiway traffic signals (24 hours). 
Works between Rodney Road and Backwell Leisure Centre, including drainage and 20mph zone installation. 

Phase 5 – 1 to 12 June 2026  

Temporary multiway traffic signals (24 hours). 
Works between Station Road and Backwell Leisure Centre, including drainage works and installation of new pedestrian crossings. 

Phase 6 – 15 to 26 June 2026  

Full overnight road closure between 8pm and 6am. 
The road will be impassable between Rushmoor Grove and Backwell Leisure Centre. 
Works will include final resurfacing, pedestrian crossing installation and completion of the 20mph zone. 

A signed diversion will operate during the closure, with access for residents and businesses managed by Traffic Marshals. 

Original press release by North Somerset Council