Major Taunton roundabout to close for resurfacing work
The upgrades to the roundabout will run overnight between September 4 and September 15
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
One of Taunton’s busiest roundabouts will be resurfaced at the start of the new school term through a series of evening closures.
The Wickes roundabout connects four key roads on the approach to Taunton town centre: the A358 Toneway (from the M5 and the recently-upgraded Creech Castle crossroads), the A38 Chritchard Way (leading into East Reach), the A3038 Priory Bridge Road (towards Somerset County Cricket Club and the Firepool site) and the A358 Obridge viaduct (leading to Williton).
The roundabout, which is not signal-controlled, is showing signs of considerable wear and tear, raising the risk of punctures and other problems for motorists.
Somerset Council has now announced the entire roundabout will be resurfaced between September 4 and 15 through a series of overnight road closures.
The road will be closed nightly between 8:15pm and 6am – though it will be open during the weekends and for normal daytime traffic.
The council said that it had scheduled to work to take place overnight in a bid to reduce disruption for local residents and businesses.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: “This roundabout is a very important one in Taunton, but it has reached the stage where it needs to be resurfaced.
“The team will make every effort to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible for road users, but please expect some delays on the evenings that the work is being undertaken.”
These roadworks will begin just a couple of days after the conclusion of ongoing roadworks on Priory Bridge Road, with the Firepool site being reconnected to the local sewer network.
Access for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be maintained throughout the roadworks, and a series of local diversions will be in place.
Motorists approaching from the Monkton Heathfield urban extension, who would normally use the A3259 and the Priorswood roundabout, will be diverted along the A38 Bridgwater Road, crossing the Creech Castle junction and following Hamilton Road into the town centre.
Vehicles approaching from the west will be diverted back along Priory Bridge Road, turn left onto Station Road, join the A3027 Bridge Street through the town centre and then following the Hamilton Road diversion to Creech Castle.
For further details on the diversions that will be in place, or other roadworks in your area, visit the Somerset Council website).