A critical road leading to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset will be temporarily closed for significant repairs, according to Somerset Council. Scheduled to take place in three phases, these essential works are set to last over a month, affecting the route between the entrance of the plant and Cannington Roundabout.
Commencing on Monday, September 23, the specialist resurfacing contractor, Heidelberg Materials, will undertake the task with completion expected by Tuesday, October 26. The repairs are planned to occur overnight from 7pm to 5am to minimise daytime disruption. Although full road closures will be implemented during each phase, the council has assured that access for residents and businesses will be maintained.
Week one, beginning September 23, will see the section between Wick Lane and Cock Lane addressed. In week three, starting October 7, work will shift to the stretch from Wick Lane to the site entrance. Finally, in the week of October 14, multiple short sections between the Monk Lane junction and Cannington Roundabout will undergo repair.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and digital, emphasised the importance of these repairs. He stated, “This is a vital route for what is one of the biggest construction projects in Europe, so it is really important that we carry out this essential maintenance to safeguard the life span of the road for both business traffic and local residents. We have worked closely with the team at Hinkley Point C to ensure the scheme is delivered as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for residents on the route and the plant traffic.”
The Hinkley Point C project, overseen by French energy company EDF, has garnered attention due to its escalating costs and delays. Despite these challenges, EDF reported in July that ‘real progress’ was being made. The company has, however, faced significant financial setbacks, with a near €12.9bn increase in project costs this year, prompting calls for financial intervention from the UK government. The government, however, has declined to use taxpayer funds to cover the overruns.
The scheduled repair works on the essential highway leading to the Hinkley Point C plant reflect Somerset Council’s commitment to infrastructure maintenance, despite the challenges posed by one of Europe’s largest construction projects.