Highways England reveals new scheme to improve A358

Plans for the construction of a new, high-quality dual carriageway on the A358 between Southfields and Taunton have been announced by Highways England.

The plans are a modification on what was proposed back in early 2018 and shall rejuvenate the section of carriageway between Southfields roundabout and junction 25 of the M5 at Taunton.

Construction of the proposed improvements should minimise congestion through Henlade by approximately 90% and shall make journeys safer for motorists through the creation of various slip road type junctions to replace tributary routes which cause cars to cut across oncoming traffic.

Project manager, David Stock, stated: “The A303 /A358 is a vitally important route to Taunton, Somerset and the south west and that is why we are so committed to finding an appropriate solution to upgrading the section between the A303 and M5.

“By removing two junctions and the link between them from the original route proposal we have been able to address some of the concerns about the impact of the [previous] option on homes, public open spaces, and countryside whilst managing affordability.

“I am very grateful to everyone who took part in the consultations for helping us shape the proposal and we look forward to working on the more detailed designs for the scheme as the year progresses.”

Another two investment projects on the A303/A358 corridor include the A303 Stonehenge and A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling schemes which mostly concern the construction of dual carriageways from single carriageway segments.

Parliament’s Road Investment Strategy aims to develop all sections of the A303/A358 corridor between the M3 and M5 which is currently maintained by the Somerset County Council.

However, the route, comprising of both single and dual carriageways, has recently been under much strain due to there being greater number of vehicles using the road than it was initially designed for.

It is hoped that the construction of modernised road links to the region will make it a more attractive place to work and do business.

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