Major Roadworks for Taunton

As of Monday September 12th for the next five weeks,be prepared for hold ups if you are using the A358 and M5 junction 25 as much needed reconstruction work is being started. A £4 million grant from the Department for Transport has paid for the repairs.

The roundabout particularly has been in a dreadful condition following the last two winters and the level of heavy traffic use,and will have substantial re-surfacing and repairs. The aging concrete carriageways will be ripped up, traffic signal loops updated and bicycle paths and pavements repaired.

The County Council have said that no work or road closures will be carried out during peak hours and the contractors will be on site at weekends and overnight on weekdays, minimising disruption to motorists and businesses.

The Highways Agency has agreed that the junction's slip roads can be closed, two at a time, during weekends. When the north side of the roundabout is closed contraflows will run round the south side, and vice versa. Alternate routes will be signposted from junctions at Bridgwater and Wellington for traffic wanting to get on or off the motorway.

The A358 from the M5 to Ilminster will also be given a facelift. The nine miles length will be re-surfaced with work carried out at night. Daytime traffic should be unaffected.

Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Harvey Siggs said: "We have planned this project so there is as little disruption as possible while doing significant construction work on Somerset's busiest road.

"If you intend using junction 25 during affected weekends the best way to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible is to check the Somerset County Council website for updates.

"Please be patient while we complete this vital work. We hope working across the latter part of the weekend and overnight will minimise the impact on commuters, tourists and businesses.

"The simultaneous resurfacing of the A358 to Ilminster will also improve travel for everyone. Doing this extensive scheme now means we can cut the amount of annual maintenance needed for many years to come."

Drivers intending to use M5 junction 25 during affected weekends are advised to visit www.somerset.gov.uk (which will be regularly updated with information for the following weekend), or to call 0845 345 9155. The line is answered between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturday.