Taunton's Third Way opened in style

Vintage cars took Transport Minister Norman Baker, and Taunton councillors across the bridge to mark the opening of the Third Way yesterday. They made quite a spectacle for the school children and other members of the public who turned up to watch.  

The new £7.5 million link road and bridges to reduce Taunton town centre congestion and help economic growth was opened by the Transport Minister.

Thirteen cars, including an Ariel Atom  which is built in Crewkerne and a dozen vintage and classic cars, took the Minister and guests to the ceremony. The first members of the public allowed across the landmark River Tone bridge were 70 supporters of the St Margaret's Hospice who held a celebratory walk.

The 380 North Town School children and the public counted down to the ribbon cut on the new bridge across the River Tone linking Wood Street and Castle Street. The bridge was finally open to the traffic at about 12.15pm.

Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Cllr David Hall, said: "I'm thrilled that The Third Way is now open. This is just one of several projects Somerset County Council has underway to help improve the local economy.

"On its own it is not the solution to traffic congestion in Taunton, but it does increase capacity and will take the pressure off the North Street area of the town centre."

The Department for Transport granted Somerset County Council £5.5 million towards construction costs. Payments from adjacent developers were also included in the budget.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "I am very pleased to open the Taunton Third Way scheme which ticks both boxes in our commitment to deliver transport schemes which meet our twin aims of creating growth and cutting carbon. Not only will it support the local economy by improving road access to Taunton, but the scheme will also help to cut carbon emissions by improving access to sustainable travel options in the area, such as better pedestrian and cycle facilities.

"I was pleased that my Department was able to provide £5.5 million funding to the scheme and I look forward to seeing the improvements it will bring to Taunton, both in terms of growth for the local economy and better services for passengers."

Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr Ken Maddock, added: "I was very pleased to welcome Mr Baker for his third visit to The Third Way and declare it open.

"It is exciting for Somerset County Council to see one of the key Taunton regeneration projects completed and the promise of more to come.

"I am hugely impressed with the new road and bridges, our contractors have given Taunton exactly what it needs."

Two bridges, 500 metres of road and new junctions were included in the works. The civil engineering works were carried out by Galliford Try.

Andrew Wedlake, operations manager for Galliford Try Civil Engineering, said: "We've enjoyed working with Somerset County Council to bring such a complex project to a successful conclusion and are proud to have played a part in the creation of such an important and eye-catching bridge."

Also included in the works were new stores for the Tangier Scout and Guide Centre.

Taunton District Scout Council President and manager of the Tangier Scout and Guide Centre, Peter Bourner, said: "The Third Way will help visitors to our Tangier centre get here more easily from other parts of Taunton. The new stores built for Scout and Guide activities are a fantastic addition to the centre."

.

ENDS