Work on Bath's 'ring of steel' to get underway today
B&NES Council say the measures will "reduce the risks" associated with threats posed by terrorists and criminals
Initial utilities work to install security measures in some Bath city centre streets are set to start today (Monday 20 June).
They begin in Burton Street for around one week, followed by York Street and Terrace Walk, before moving onto St James Parade, Lower Borough Walls and Hot Bath Street.
Bath and North East Somerset Council say the first stage of installing the permanent measures are the advance works required for ducting and the movement of utilities prior to the installation of the hostile vehicle mitigation sliding and static bollards.
Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) for the advance ducting works will be placed on some of the streets within the secure zone from 23 June.
These orders are for the road restrictions to undertake the enabling works on the following streets: Amery Lane, Wine Street, Lower Borough Walls and Hot Bath Street.
The TTROs will only be in place during the works and when signs and marshals are in position.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: "This is the next step in the scheme to put in place the permanent proportionate and preventative measures to protect public safety, based on police advice.
"Over the coming weeks and months you will see works in some city centre streets. We will do all we can to minimise disruption as we carry out this complex work to install hostile vehicle mitigation measures which will reduce the risks associated with vehicle-borne threats posed by terrorists and criminals."
Further road closures will also be required for the diversion of the statutory undertakers' apparatus and the installation of the bollard equipment.
Access for Blue Badge holders will be maintained in Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Upper Borough Walls, however, access and egress routes will change, as the works start – these will be signposted, and marshals will be available to help people.
The authority say due to the unique nature of the city and highway construction, there are a number of "challenges" within the programme, including: working above existing vaults and cellars, working in close proximity to utility apparatus and maintaining access to the restricted streets for exempt vehicles.
They add that they have carried out investigative works but until contractors get on site, they say their construction timeline is estimated and they cannot guarantee completion dates.