Chard roadworks completion date pushed back
It's after issues have been found in the works.
Long-running Chard roadworks will not be finished before the town’s annual carnival after additional problems were discovered.
Wales & West Utilities announced in November 2024 that it would be carrying out significant improvements around the Furzehill and Glynswood area of Chard, upgrading the town’s gas network with an investment of £415,000.
At the same time, Wessex Water is implementing £1.3m of improvements to the local sewage network near Furzehill and Glynswood, in a bid to reduce flood risk to nearby properties and businesses.
Phase one of these major roadworks began on January 7, with the junction of Furnham Road and Victoria Avenue being closed off to motorists.
Phase two began in mid-February, with Furnham Road being closed off to all drivers between Victoria Avenue and Glynswood (except for local access) – an arrangement that was expected to end on May 30.
But both companies have now confirmed that this section will remain closed until September 1, with the attention of the work shifting to the eastern end of Glynswood from June 30.
The roadworks as a whole are now expected to conclude on Hallowe’en (October 31) – meaning additional disruption for those attending the town’s annual carnival on October 11.
In a letter to local residents, representatives from Wessex Water, Wales & West Utilities and Somerset Council explained why the scheme would now finish a month later than originally intended.
The letter stated: “The project has proceeded well, with work continuing up Furnham Road towards the junction with Glynswood.
“Construction teams have been working on the second phase within Furnham Road, with more than 230 metres of water main being renovated, as well as just over 200 metres of new sewer being installed.
“However, the presence of other utilities, not revealed during the previous surveys of the area, obstructed a short section along the route of the new sewer, requiring some additional work – including a 35-metre length of new electrical cable.
“Wessex Water’s team is continuing the progress of the new sewage towards Glynswood while this additional work takes place, with some changes to the original programme of work, to ensure Wales & West Utilities can restart and complete its own work.
“The sewer project will continue Furnham Road to Glynswood until Monday, June 30, with the junction of Furnham Road and Glynswood being closed from Tuesday, June 17.
“After that, the sewer work will continue along Glynswood until Friday, October 31.
“In the meantime, Wales & West Utilities will resume its gas main upgrade on Furnham Road, which will remain closed from Monday, June 30 to Monday, September 1, with Virgin Media O2 also completing cabling and connection work within this timeframe.
“Virgin Media O2 will also carry out minor work on Glynswood ahead of Wessex Water, but without the need for intrusive traffic management.”
Until these phases are completed, drivers seeking to travel north or south must continue to rely on Victoria Avenue – though no additional temporary traffic lights are expected to be implemented.
Motorists seeking to reach the town centre from the north can either follow the official diversion down Victoria Avenue and onto the A30 East Street (near the town’s Lidl and Tesco stores), or can use an unofficial diversion via Thorndun Park Drive and Glynswood.
Motorists travelling from the south, seeking to reach Ilminster or the A303, will have to follow the same routes in reverse – though only the diversion along Victoria Avenue will be signposted.