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A303 Sparkford to Ilchester upgrades: Q&A roadshow launches

With just a year to go until the duelling of the Sparkford to Ilchester route opens, a special roadshow is happening to answer questions about what it means for you

Construction progressing as the new A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dual carriageway takes shape
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 30th Mar 2023
Last updated 30th Mar 2023

There's just a year to go until work on the A303 between Sparkford and Ilminster is finally completed.

The upgrades will see a new dual carriageway along much of the route - something National Highways says is to make the route safer and more reliable.

This week, National Highways are 'out and about' across the local area, updating everyone on what has been happening over the last year - and talking to residents about the work that's coming up.

Work on the road started back in 2021, and now in 2023, the project is set to reach a number of milestones - all of which will involve a series of traffic management switches in the coming weeks and months, which you'll be able to find out more about at these engagement events.

Hannah Sanderson is from National Highways and said: "We're about 80 per cent complete in our earth works now.

"The next phase of our works is going to involve traffic management and temporarily changing some of the road layout.

"Over the next 12 months, we'll see phased traffic management where we move traffic onto the new road."

The map of upgrades to the A303

The roadshow dates

  • Tuesday, 28 March – Haynes Motor Museum (Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7LH) 12pm-4pm
  • Wednesday, 29 March – Teals Farm Shop (1 Orchard Lane, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7FS) 9am-5pm
  • Thursday, 30 March – Teals Farm Shop (1 Orchard Lane, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7FS) 9am-5pm
  • Friday, 31 March – Haynes Motor Museum (Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7LH) 9am-1pm

Steffan Jones, National Highways Project Manager for the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme, said: “The scheme is progressing well, we’re communicating updates and changes as we move forward, but it’s important to engage with local communities and to get any feedback.

“People can put any questions they want to us and we welcome the chance to engage with those directly impacted by the work and anyone interested in the scheme.”

You can find out more about the 'Engagement Van' here.

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