Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 7, Octavius Regional Civil Engineering has secured a role in the £105m ($139.5m) Banwell Bypass project in the UK, focusing on civil works, structures, and drainage. The project, led by Galliford Try for North Somerset Council, involves constructing a 3.3km single carriageway linking the A371 and A368 roads to reduce traffic congestion and support regional development.

Octavius joins Galliford Try on the initiative.

Funding for the bypass is provided by North Somerset Council, a Housing Infrastructure Fund grant from Homes England, and the West of England Combined Authority Economic Development Fund. The initiative aims to ease traffic bottlenecks near Banwell village, particularly on the A38 toward Weston-super-Mare, while enabling future housing projects in the area.

Octavius Regional Civil Engineering, the self-delivery arm of Octavius, a leading transport infrastructure contractor, is currently managing early site tasks. These include diverting underground utilities and building a haul road to support new transport routes. Delivery director Chris Ellis stated: “The win extends our client portfolio, a first project for Galliford Try in the south-west [of England]. As well as creating a new road we are also helping provide new walking, cycling and horse-riding routes – fostering more integrated and sustainable ways of travel in the west.”

The project incorporates environmental measures to protect local wildlife and enhance biodiversity. These efforts include establishing ponds, woodlands, and wetlands, targeting over 40% biodiversity net gain. Galliford Try’s Infrastructure business secured a £66.5m contract in April under the Procure Partnerships Framework to deliver the project.

In addition to the Banwell Bypass, Octavius is working on two other significant projects for North Somerset Council: upgrades to the A38 Major Road Network and the replacement of the Winterstoke Road bridge. Octavius Regional Civil Engineering is also part of Bristol City Council’s Highways Asset Management and Civils Framework, set to run from 2025 to 2029.

The Banwell Bypass is expected to improve traffic flow and support sustainable travel options, contributing to the region’s infrastructure and economic growth.