A scheme has been revealed to deliver improvements on the A358 between the M5 at Taunton and the Southfields roundabout on the A303.

The route from London to Somerset will be upgraded to a high quality dual carriageway, serving those travelling to and from the south west.

These details were unveiled following two rounds of consultation.

Project manager, David Stock, said: "The A303 /A358 is a vitally important route to Taunton, Somerset and the south west and that is why we are so committed to finding an appropriate solution to upgrading the section between the A303 and M5.


"We received over 2,650 responses during the two consultations and around 60% of people said that the Pink route would best serve their regular journeys. By removing two junctions and the link between them from the original Pink route proposal we have been able to address some of the concerns about the impact of the Pink option on homes, public open spaces and countryside whilst managing affordability.

"I am very grateful to everyone who took part in the consultations for helping us shape the proposal and we look forward to working on the more detailed designs for the scheme as the year progresses."

Under the proposal traffic through Henlade will be reduced by almost 90%.

The scheme will also make journeys safer by closing existing road junctions and other private accesses directed onto the A358, where traffic turns across on-coming traffic - replacing them with several slip road type junctions. Improved connectivity and reduced journey times will assist the local and regional economy by making Taunton, Somerset and the south west a more attractive place to work and do business.

(CM/JG)