Shepton Strawberry Line work probes route under Ridge Road

By Laura Linham 4th Nov 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Work is under way at Three Arches Bridge on Ridge Road in Shepton Mallet to assess whether a future section of the Strawberry Line could pass beneath the road. The investigation is part of plans to extend the walking and cycling route west towards Summerhill Lane and, eventually, Wells.

An arch beneath the road, also known locally as Stump Cross Bridge, has been dug out to the required depth for the assessment. The bridge is managed by the Historic Railways Estate, which has commissioned minor repairs to its underside.

Mick Fletcher, chair of the Strawberry Line Society, said: "Our exploratory work at Ridge Road, on what is locally known as the Three Arches Bridge, has allowed for an assessment of the feasibility of a safe route for the Strawberry Line avoiding a dangerous road crossing.

"Historic Railways Estate, who manage the bridge, have commissioned work to carry out some minor repairs to the underside and Greenways are working with the Strawberry Line Society to make sure the sides of the cutting have stabilised.

"Until this work is completed, which is expected to be early in the new year, there can be no public access to the site."

Around 450 metres of fencing has also been installed at the Summerhill Lane end of the proposed extension. The society said significant work remains before the new section can open, while progress is also being made on a short extension at Easton.

The Strawberry Line follows the route of the former Cheddar Valley Railway, which closed in the 1960s. The long-term ambition is for the path to run between Shepton Mallet and Clevedon.

Nub News previously reported on the access issue at Stump Cross Bridge in February.