Britain’s longest-running roadworks are delayed AGAIN after nearly 100 years of waiting for £105m bypass

Comment now Next BRITAIN’S longest-running roadworks have been delayed again after nearly 100 years of waiting. The area has suffered from severe congestion making it a ‘no go’ zone for over a century. Studies showed the proposed bypass could reduce traffic through the village by up to 78 per cent. Source: Tom Wren / SWNS Construction has now been pushed back with a scheduled completion in winter next year Source: Tom Wren SWNS Advertisement Building a bypass around Banwell a congested village in north Somerset was first proposed back in 1927.

The project was finally approved in 2023 but costs have since nearly doubled from the initial £56million funded by the government body Homes England , after the original contractor pulled out. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Locals said today the agonising wait had been extended with a further six months delay for water main diversion work.

Construction has now been pushed back with a scheduled completion in winter next year – passing a century since the fight began. read more on motors GTI V GTI I drove new Peugeot GTI - it's fast & looks great, but does it beat 1993 model? CHARGING AHEAD Britain's cheapest hybrid car is crowned after beating out MG and Toyota Building the Banwell Bypass has cost more than £105million and now the council has confirmed water main work needs to be completed first as construction involves a range of ground improvements including piling.

Banwell Parish Council chairman, Steve Voller, said: “This delay extends the inconvenience and stress to those that live in the village and for anyone trying to get through it – especially at peak times.” He also highlighted ongoing issues impacting the emergency services after watching an ambulance turn around due to the middle of the village being at a standstill. Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said despite the delay, “we continue to make good progress on site and the century-long wait will soon be over”.

Advertisement Most read in Money GAS BILL SHOCK Millions face 9% gas bill hike to cover neighbours switching to heat pumps SHOP SHOCK Nation's cheapest supermarket revealed as Brits warned of £61 gap between rivals RATE SHOCK Millions hit by Bank of England rate hike - and warning of Xmas 'Grinch' rise AXE FALLS British telecoms giant slashes 11,700 jobs in brutal year-long cull He added the project included “miles of new walking, cycling and horse-riding track” and said it connected with the Strawberry Line, the former railway line that was turned into a walking and cycling route, “along with new woodland, wetland and grassland”.

The council also added it had worked to accommodate the water main diversions, however, it added the opening of the bypass would now be delayed from summer 2027 to later that year. Life-long residents in Banwell had previously said it was a day they never thought they’d see – with some saying their relatives were involved in initial proposals as far back as 1927. Local historian Roy Rice, who has lived his whole life in the village, said previously: “My uncle, Wally Richards, when he was 11, helped the survey and put the pegs in of the original bypass plan.

“It was a different variation in 1927. He is no longer with us but I am sure he would be very surprised we are still talking about it 100 years later. Advertisement “It will make a huge difference to the village and we will certainly have a big party when the bypass opens. We are fully aware it is not being built for us, but it can not be a bad thing for Banwell.” Studies showed the proposed bypass could reduce traffic through the village by up to 78 per cent.

Mr Roy added: “There has been three or four different routes proposed over the years. The original route was a lot closer to the village. What we have going ahead is the lesser of two evils. “Banwell has lost a lot of shops as you can not stop there, maybe around 30-40 shops in the centre. RECOMMENDED STORIES “There was a lot of industry and a lot of businesses, a brewery, mill, blacksmith. It was once a thriving area. As they shut, no one wants to take them on.

Advertisement “Hopefully the bypass will bring life back to the centre of the village. We are not under the illusion that it will fix everything, but it will make it a much better place to live, work and walk in.” Comment now