Work starts at Upper Borough Walls in Bath to improve security

It's all part of Bath's so-called 'ring of steel' which is being built to deter terror attacks where vehicles are used as weapons

View up Upper Borough Walls
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 26th Sep 2023

A road in Bath City Centre is shutting today for work the council says will improve security.

Permanent bollards are being installed across the centre in a so called "Ring of Steel" to deter terror attacks where vehicles are used as weapons.

The work on Upper Borough Walls by the Theatre Royal is due to finish in November - ahead of the Christmas embargo.

There will then be more works in January, which are set to last another five months.

The road will be closed between Union Street and Northgate Street, but Blue Badge holders and other exempt vehicles will still be able to access and park in the secure zone between 10am and 6pm.

There will also be access for pedestrians during this time.

Work got going earlier this month for their 'trial hole investigation works', whilst B&NES Council also held a drop-in information session to allow locals meet the project team and to give their feedback.

Those working on the scheme will have to negotiate existing vaults and cellars, whilst working in close proximity to utility apparatus and maintaining access to the restricted streets for exempt vehicles.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Highways, said: “There is still access using the diversion route and we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.

"The way the works are progressing are complex and this means some arrangements may change so we will endeavour to keep everyone informed as much as we can."

B&NES Council say diversions will be clearly signposted and marshals will be available at Westgate Buildings.

Entry to Westgate Street, Saw Close and Upper Borough Walls will be via a temporary entrance at the junction of Westgate Street and Westgate Street Buildings, with the exit via Barton Street/Wood Street/Quiet Street and New Bond Street. Drivers must exit New Bond Street to the left to avoid the busgate between 10am and 6pm.

Deliveries and waste collections will still be possible before 10am and after 6pm until the new automated sliding bollard at Cheap Street is operational, when entry will then resume at the entrance of Cheap Street at its junction with High Street.

You can find out more about the works on the B&NES Council project webpage.

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