A358 Dualling

    Somerset County Council has raised concerns about upgrading the A358 to a dual carriageway between the Ilminster by-pass and the M5 at Taunton.

    Somerset County Council has raised concerns about some of the junctions, planned as part of work to upgrade the A358 to dual carriageway between the Ilminster by-pass and the M5 at Taunton.

    The County Council says dualling the A358 will ease congestion and cut journey times across Somerset … but that the design of some junctions that will connect existing local roads to the new dual carriageway, needs to be re-thought.

    The three main areas of concern are:

    The design of the Mattock’s Tree Green junction that will connect the dualled A358 to the A378 leading to Langport ..

    The proposed link between Capland Lane and Village Road that it’s claimed could leave Hatch Beauchamp cut off in the event of flooding. The council wants the issue of flooding around Hatch Beauchamp reviewed …

    The council has welcomed the creation of a new cycle route between Taunton and Ilminster but says the route will require “separated junctions” to keep cyclists safe …

    The council is also asking for clarification on whether horse riders will be able to access the Southfields roundabout on the Ilminster by-pass from either side when the A358 has been dualled.

    The County Council has asked for all its concern to be discussed when the public inquiry into the widening scheme on the A358 starts in the summer of 2022.

    Andy Coupé, the council’s strategic manager for infrastructure programmes, said: “If designed appropriately, the scheme will improve connectivity and access to the southwest region, improve the resilience of the strategic road network and help to promote economic growth in the region.”

    More from Community & Charity News

    • Win an MOT Test from Bridge Garage

      Here's a chance to win the MOT Test for your car. We have three to give away this week, courtesy of our friends from Bridge Garage & MOTs.

    • Winter Coat Scheme

      Somerset’s Winter Coat Exchange is helping local people stay warm and supported through the colder months.

    • Recycling

      Somerset Council has released new figures showing a major step forward for local recycling.

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 10th to Sunday 16th November 2025

    • Ilminster Local Plan

      People in Ilminster now have a greater say over planning applications in the town, after Somerset Council adopted a Local Neighbourhood Plan for Ilminster.

    • Hate Crime

      Avon and Somerset Police are urging people to stand together against hate and report it when they see it.

    • False Fire Alarms

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it’s dealing with an increase in false alarm calls.

    • Dog DNA

      Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging dog owners to protect their pets from theft by entering their details into a DNA doggy database.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Heavy Rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 12°C

    • Chard

      Heavy Rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 12°C

    • Crewkerne

      Heavy Rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 12°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 12°C

    • Wincanton

      Heavy Rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 12°C

    Recently Played