National Highways reveals design changes on £500M Somerset dualling scheme.

A new multi-million pound roundabout off the M5 in Somerset could be scrapped in a big shake up of dualling plans.

National Highways has revealed new designs for its A358 dualling scheme near Taunton in Somerset, following a consultation in 2021.

The A358 is a key route linking the South West with London and the South East.

Upgrade

The upgrade would see the single lane between Taunton and the Southfields roundabout near Ilminster turned into dual carriageway.

The original design for the scheme would have seen the new dual carriageway join up with the Nexus 25 roundabout. The roundabout opened in January 2021 as part of a £19.2m improvement scheme.

National Highways has since published fresh proposals discarding the roundabout in favour of crossroads. They have opened a consultation to the public to gain public perspective.

The public consultation is open until 26 June. National Highways will submit the planning application for the scheme later this year.

Amended Plans

The amended plans would see the new roundabout removed by 2028. A crossroads controlled by four-way traffic lights instead would be placed south of the Gateway park and ride site.

The crossroads would link the newly dualled A358 to the M5. In addition, a southern spur would provide access to the Nexus 25 employment site, National Highways said.

The new junction would include signalised pedestrianised crossing and help manage traffic around junction 25.

National Highways senior project manager for the A358 scheme Katherine Liddington said: “We plan to upgrade approximately 13.6km of the A358 to a new high-quality and high-performing dual carriageway, which will reduce congestion, enhance safety and improve connectivity for road users and local communities, while unlocking economic growth in Somerset and beyond.

“Since our 2021 consultation we’ve made some changes to our preliminary design, which will improve safety and access to local roads and reduce the impact on communities, the environment and the local landscape.

Planning

“As part of our planning, we would like to hear your thoughts on our design changes before we submit our planning application later this year.”

MP for Taunton Deane Rebecca Pow said: “The A358 upgrade has been a long time coming and a great deal of progress has been made to reach this stage. It’s one of my commitments as your MP and I am pleased that Government is supporting this scheme.”

“It is also most welcome that National Highways are listening to feedback and continuing to refine the route, something I have urged them to do as working with the community is vital.”

National Highways senior project manager for the A358 scheme Katherine Liddington said:

“Since our 2021 consultation we’ve made some changes to our preliminary design, which will improve safety and access to local roads and reduce the impact on communities, the environment and the local landscape.

“As part of our planning, we would like to hear your thoughts on our design changes before we submit our planning application later this year.”