Major Somerset road upgrade could still go ahead
The A358 dualling scheme is still set to be carried out, despite a change in strategy by National Highways
A major road upgrade in Somerset could still go ahead despite a shift in priorities towards smaller, cheaper road improvement schemes.
National Highways held consultation in mid-2022 over its proposed dualling of the A358 between junction 25 of the M5 in Taunton and the Southfields roundabout near Ilminster, where the road joins the A303.
The government-owned company, which is responsible for the upkeep of England’s motorways and major A-roads, published its third road investment strategy (RIS3) which lays out its ambitions for the strategic road network up to 2030.
National Highways intends for this period to focus on smaller schemes (i.e. those costing £25m or less), such as upgrades to individual junctions or slip roads rather than dualling significant stretches of road.
However, the company has confirmed that the A358 dualling scheme will still be pursued since this was identified within the previous road investment strategy (RIS2).
The RIS3 report does identify seven broad aims for the strategic road network in Somerset between now and 2030 – namely:
Promoting “safe and reliable journeys” through the south west, including along the A303
Improving the management of “additional seasonal traffic flows” to tourist locations, including Bath, Exmoor and Stonehenge
Supporting “regionally significant and sustainable economic and housing growth, particularly in garden communities” – such as the Taunton garden town
Supporting the “efficient movement of goods” using the A303 and A36
Improving air quality and reducing noise for the numerous communities living near the A303
Supporting “better integration with public transport and improved active travel options”, especially in urban areas
Supporting the role of “the A303/A30/A358 corridor” as the “key strategic route” between London and the south west
The A358 scheme – which could cost up to £328m to deliver – was identified within the RIS2 period, and is therefore not at immediate risk of being either cancelled or postponed to a future investment period.
Amended Route Plans For The Dualled A358 Between Taunton And Ilminster.
A spokesman for National Highways South West said: “We are still focussed on delivering schemes that are currently in development, which includes the A358 Taunton to Southfields scheme.”
The RIS3 approach would not rule out small-scale improvements to the remaining single-carriageway sections of the A303 through Somerset – such as extending the Marsh section near the Devon border or upgrading the Eagle Tavern junction within the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
However, any aspirations to fully dual the A303 between the Southfields and Hayes roundabouts (near South Petherton) may not be realised for many years to come.
National Highways has not confirmed when the official plans for the A358 dualling – known as a development consent order or DCO – will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.
Once the DCO is submitted, a public inquiry into the proposals will be held, after which transport secretary Mark Harper MP will make the final decision on whether to grant permission.
If permission is granted, the improved road could be finished by 2028 – four years after the intended completion of the A303 dualling scheme between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts, which is currently under construction.
Mr Harper is expected to shortly make a decision on the plans to dual the A303 near Stonehenge, after the initial planning approval was thrown out by the High Court in August 2021.