New details obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests have revealed that the ongoing refurbishment of the A39/Dunster Steep traffic lights is costing taxpayers £599,243.52. Despite this significant investment, local residents and businesses continue to endure months of disruption, with the project not scheduled for completion until late spring.
The project, which began on January 5, 2026, was commissioned by Liberal Democrat run Somerset Council to replace 30-year-old equipment that officials warned was at risk of total failure. However, the response from commuters has been far from positive, with the A39 corridor frequently descending into gridlock.
The FOI response confirms that the contract, awarded to Centregreat, remains technically "on track" in financial terms. Remarkably, the Council stated there have been "no compensation events notified by the contractor" and no "Early Warning notices" regarding the malfunctioning signals that plagued the first weeks of the scheme. With those moving between Minehead and Williton has been characterized by six-mile queues and significant delays to the No. 28 bus service.
James Wright, a local farmer and campaigner who has been vocal about the impact on those travelling for work, says that it isn't good enough.
"For the Council to say there is no ability to reclaim costs despite the huge tail backs is shocking" said Mr. Wright. "We are seeing nearly £600,000 of public money spent on a project that has no financial mechanism for compensation despite the thousands of hours of lost for everyone in West Somerset."
While the project has faced heavy criticism for its management, local representatives have been working behind the scenes to force adjustments to the traffic flow, including the implementation of manual signal control during peak hours and the maintenance of two-way traffic on high-volume days like Mondays and Fridays.
Cllr Mandy Chilcott - Somerset Councillor for Minehead has consistently underlined how critical the A39 route is for the whole of West Somerset she commented "we have no alternative routes to use and our dependency on the A39 has been amplified with the closure of the B3191 at Cleeve Hill.”
“I have worked closely with the contractors on the Dunster lights program to ensure that they realise the impact this is having on residents, visitors, businesses and commuters. It is deeply frustrating to see a 'business as usual' response from the Council. I have pushed for manual signal control and maintaining the 2 way flow whenever possible in order to keep West Somerset moving. My priority remains standing up for our residents"
The Council expects the works to continue into May 2026. For now, motorists are advised to continue allowing extra time for journeys, particularly between Tuesday and Thursday when the one-way shuttle system is most active.
