North Somerset aims to complete the Banwell bypass using funds that expire soon, resolving congestion issues.
Homes England gave money in 2020. The council must commit funds by March 2026. Delays keep affecting the bypass project. They are pushing up certain work to save time.
The council voted to move forward £2.4 million. This will help avoid more delays. It will keep the bypass plan on track. The first contractor left the project.
Planning was approved in March 2023. Buying land required a public inquiry after that. The government approved it in January 2024. Work stopped when the contractor withdrew.
Galliford Try is building the road now. The council seeks more time for the funds. They need money to cover extra costs. They hope Homes England approves the support.
Originally, the bypass cost £66 million. It rose to £90 million by mid-2023. The council and Homes England split the difference. The bypass should open by January 2027.
All work should be completed by June 2027. People first suggested this bypass in 1927. That means it will take a century to complete. The council needs to commit the money by 2026.