Council working on vital drainage and gas schemes in Chard
Utilities firms say they're trying to minimise disruption next year in Chard
A public exhibition is being planned ahead of major utilities work in Chard next year.
It'll last from January to September and will involve the closure, at times, of routes across the town including the A358.
Wessex Water is spending £1.3-million to help reduce sewer flooding and Wales and West are spending almost half a million upgrading a gas main line.
The collaborative approach ensures both schemes can take place within the road closures which will need to be in place for the safety of the public and workforce.
The A358 Furnham Road is the most significant of these.
A public drop-in session about this programme of work will be held at the Guildhall in Chard on Wednesday 20 November, between 9am and 6pm.
Representatives from Somerset Council, Wessex Water and Wales & West Utilities will be there.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services said: “These are two vital schemes for Chard – we’re really pleased to see the sewer improvement being delivered – it's great news for residents who have suffered from sewer flooding in the immediate area.
“The gas main improvement is taking place across Somerset.
"Sharing road space and getting both important schemes done at the same time during 2025 will minimise disruption for road users and residents, but we are fully aware there will be an impact for those in the immediate area and the travelling public which is why we are working collaboratively to reduce this as much as possible.”
Expected road closures:
- A closure of the A358 from February 2025 to the end of May 2025
- A shorter closure of Victoria Avenue is required from early January to mid-February
- A significant partial closure of Glynswood is required between May and September
- The junction of A358 Furnham Road and Glynswood will be closed from late May to late June
- There will also be some parking restrictions on Victoria Avenue as this will form part of the diversion route
- July onwards A358 Furnham Road reopens, but work will still be underway in Glynswood
Wessex Water project manager Mike Horton said: “Historically, this area of Chard has suffered issues with sewer flooding during heavy rain which is why we’re proposing this significant investment towards addressing the capacity of the network.
“We recognise that work like this is disruptive and are working closely with Somerset Council and Wales & West to ensure these projects are completed in a way that can reduce longer-term inconvenience for local customers.’’