Autumn 2026 Temporary Path Closures -UPDATE

Essential tree works on The Strawberry Line are ahead of schedule

The next temporary closure of the Strawberry Line is now planned to start on Monday 2 November and finish on Friday 13 November. This is the final closure planned.

The works will involve the removal of ash trees severely affected by Ash Dieback disease, which now pose an unacceptable threat to users of the route.

The final section to be closed is near Winscombe, between Lynch Road bridge and Woodborough Road bridge.

It will be fully closed while contractors use heavy machinery to safely remove and managed diseased trees. Where possible, contractors will open sections sooner if work progression allows.

During the first phase of advertised work that took place in September between the A38 to the tunnel, contractors used heavy machinery which meant the work was carried out quicker than planned

This meant that they were able to reduce the time the Strawberry Line was closed, which limited the impacts and disruption to people who use the route and tunnel. This also had positive ecological benefits, limiting disruption to wildlife in the area, including bats

The work has been planned in consultation with Natural England, with closures in place Monday to Friday only. The Strawberry Line will remain open at weekends.

The closures include all paths and public rights of way which cross over the line.

Due to the nature of the works and limited access points, there will be no access through or over the closed sections during working hours. Diversions will be signposted where possible, although these will involve parts of the local highway network and may not be suitable for all users.

The Strawberry Line is an important route for many and North Somerset Council appreciate these closures will cause inconvenience. However, these works are crucial to ensure the long term safety of everyone who uses the path.