Temporary closure on the Strawberry Line at Winscombe tunnel
The closure, starting on October 2, will see a fortnight of essential maintenance whilst allowing for the felling of diseased trees
Cyclists and pedestrians are being urged to follow the diversions next month as there's a temporary closure of a tunnel on the Strawberry Line.
The tunnel at Shute Shelve near Winscombe will be shut for a fortnight from Monday for routine maintenance as well as the felling of diseased ash trees.
North Somerset Council say it's part of their action plan to deal with ash dieback.
The tunnel will close at 7.30am on Monday 2 October, with a continuous closure in place in both directions until it reopens, which is currently planned for noon on Monday 16 October.
A diversion for pedestrians will be in place to the north of the tunnel, through Slader’s Leigh Nature Reserve - however, this diversion is not open for cyclists.
The A38 will be the only alternative route to the south of the tunnel during this time for cyclists, with people urged to follow the signage in place during the fortnight of works.
In addition to maintenance work on the tunnel structure, the council will be carrying out essential tree work - as nearby trees have been identified as having Ash Dieback.
This is a fungal disease which is often fatal to trees.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for leisure and open spaces, said: "We don’t take the closure of any part of the Strawberry Line lightly as we realise the inconvenience and disruption that it inevitably causes. Every effort is being made to carry out the work on time. I’m pleased to see that the tunnel maintenance and tree work are being coordinated to take place at the same time.
“Ash Dieback is now a national problem. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping the disease and it's feared it may affect up to 90 per cent of ash trees in Britain. Having carried out a survey of all our ash trees in North Somerset, we published an Ash Dieback action plan last year that sets out how we’re dealing with the issue.
“Trees alongside this popular public right of way have been identified by our tree officers as unsafe and as they pose a danger to users, their urgent removal is being prioritised. Safety is of paramount importance.”
To keep up to date, you are urged to like and follow the Nature and Climate North Somerset Facebook page.
More information about Ash Dieback can be found on the council's website.
You can find out more about the Strawberry Line on the North Somerset Council website and on the Strawberry Line's site.