Work to create new junction for Taunton's Firepool site and new railway station to start in 2023
Somerset County Council say it forms a 'vital part' of their plans for the town
Last updated 22nd Nov 2022
A scheme to link Taunton’s Firepool Development and new railway station car park to the town’s road network with a provision for cycling has been given the green light to go-ahead early next year.
Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Great Western Railway and Network Rail are working together for the new junction at Firepool and the station’s multi-storey car park.
The development was opened as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration of the town’s transport hub.
The scheme introduces a crossroads forming the main access to the rail station car park - and means buses will be able to collect rail passengers directly from the station, as well as giving primary access into Firepool.
The authority say it most importantly incorporates the latest standards in cycling.
The project should take five months to complete.
The project is jointly funded by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Department for Transport, Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council.
A planning application for the proposal was approved earlier this year.
Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, and Executive Member for Planning and Transport at SWT, said: “This development forms a vital part of our vision for the future of Taunton, one we have been working hard to deliver in partnership for a number of years and it’s great news this essential next step will soon be in place.
“This has been a complex scheme to schedule, involving different partners. We also had to factor in the Toneway Creech Castle scheme and ensure that these two important projects did not overlap.
“Accessibility for cyclists, pedestrians, vehicles and public transport is central to the Firepool development which will boost jobs and investment in Taunton, whilst ensuring people have a proper choice to use alternative, greener means of transport to support our climate change objectives for Somerset.
“Ultimately, the cycling infrastructure will link with a dedicated route for cyclists into the town centre reflecting our connectivity ambitions embedded in Taunton’s Garden Town status.”