New contractors have stepped in to build a long-awaited bypass around a congested North Somerset village.

The announcement comes six months after the scheme was thrown into chaos when the previous contractors unexpectedly pulled out.

Building a bypass around the tiny but congested village of Banwell was first proposed in 1927, and work to finally build the road had been set to start earlier this year. But in March contractors Alun Griffiths unexpectedly downed tools and pulled out of the £56.5m contract with North Somerset Council.

Now the scheme is set to get back on the road, as new contractors have taken on the contract. Galliford Try will now deliver the road, beginning with competing preparatory works, which North Somerset Council made a start on itself after Alun Griffiths pulled out, and any remaining detailed design to discharge remaining planning conditions.

Liz Bell, Galliford Try’s operations director, said: “We are delighted to be working together with the North Somerset team to bring this project forward, and help play our part in improving the lives of local people.”

Banwell has been plagued by terrible traffic since at least the mid-eighteenth century. Today, two A-roads funnel traffic into the village which at one point has to go down a single track lane between houses and the village bakery.

The bypass was granted planning permission in March 2023 and a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of the land needed for the scheme was held on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier in the summer. After an intervention from the then local MP John Penrose, the government approved the orders “in the nick of time” in January, giving the final green light needed for the road to finally be built.

North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said: “It’s a scheme we’re immensely proud of and keen to deliver and, despite setbacks over these past few months, I’m pleased to say that we’re still on track toward starting construction this year. Working with Galliford Try has been incredibly positive so far and I’m excited to continue our work together as we get the scheme delivered.

“I’d also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst we worked to secure a new contract and also Homes England for their continued support. We’re raring to go and to get spades in the ground as soon as we can.”

North Somerset Council has warned it is facing a “financial emergency” and will have to make cuts to services to avoid issuing a section 114 notice. But the Banwell bypass is being paid for from funding by Homes England which cannot be used to pay for other council services. In 2023, the council did put £12m of its own money into the project to keep it afloat amid inflation.

The contract with Galliford Try is in two stages, with a first stage for the preparatory works and detailed design and a second stage for the main construction. A decision on proceeding with the second stage will be taken by North Somerset Council in the autumn.