Keep up to date with roadworks thanks to new website

A state-of-the-art highway information service is to be trialled on North Somerset Council website to keep drivers and residents up to date with forthcoming roadworks.  

The website www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads links to the map-based system which is free to use and allows users to view precisely where and when the road works are taking place, who is responsible for them and assess the likely impact on their journey times.

The website takes all the information from the council streetworks system, including works being carried out by the utility agencies such as gas and water companies, and publishes it on a map-based system. 

The website shows current road works and can also display planned and forthcoming work.

The website interfaces with Google maps, is compatible with smart phones, provides e-mail alerts and is updated every 30 minutes.

North Somerset Council executive member for highways Elfan Ap Rees said: "  Roadworks are an unfortunate but essential part of maintaining and improving our roads and utilities. 

"At the moment we publish a weekly update on planned road works in the district but this is time consuming to produce and less flexible than the roadworks system. 

"Knowing before you leave home or work where  road works are taking place has to be a useful tool for drivers.

"We look forward to trialling this service and, if successful, will be using it permanently and possibly expanding it, for instance flagging-up roads unsuitable for heavy and large trucks with weight restrictions." 

More information is available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/roads and www.northsomerset.roadworks.org.