Bypass safety on the agenda as roads minster visits Somerset

The topic was raised when Mr Jones made a whistle-stop tour of the South West to view existing and potential projects involving the Department of Transport.

Somerset County Council said in a media briefing note on Monday that the “minister will be at the authority’s Gateway Park and Ride on the A358, next to Junction 25 of the M5 at Taunton”.

Andrew Jones was in Somerset finding out more about the “proposed dualling of the A303 and A358 in Somerset, the Muchelney road-raising and Beer Wall flood-prevention works, and works in and around Taunton”.

Mr Fysh said: “It was great to accompany the roads minister on his visit with Highways England to look at the detail of schemes for dualling and improving safety on the A303 and A358.

“He was very receptive to suggestions and stated his clear priority for both this South West artery and its safety and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming years to deliver this incredibly important project for our area.”

Yeovil MP Mr Fysh said he would be asking for a safety review of that section of the A303 which has witnessed a catalogue of fatalities and incidents over the years, including a number in recent weeks.

Police last week appealed for witnesses following a two-vehicle collision on the bypass on Tuesday, July 28.

A blue Suzuki Wagon R was in collision with a van at around 2.20pm when it is believed the Suzuki was pulling out of a layby and performing a U-turn at the time.

A police spokesman said the occupants of the Suzuki, a man and a woman in their 80s, were taken to hospital for treatment after suffering broken bones, while the van driver was unhurt.

The road remained closed in both directions for several hours while the scene was examined and the vehicles recovered, but officers are working on re-opening the road as soon as possible.

If anyone saw this incident or either of these vehicles beforehand, please call the Collision Investigation Unit at Almondsbury via 101.