NATIONAL Highways wants people to have their say on the new designs for the A358 Taunton to Ilminster upgrade.

The plans will see a single stretch of carriageway between the M5 at Taunton and the Southfields roundabout upgraded to a dual carriageway.

Katherine Liddington, senior project manager for the A358 scheme, said: “We plan to build approximately 8.5 miles of new dual carriageway, which will considerably improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities, while unlocking economic growth in Somerset and beyond.

“Since announcing our preferred route for the project in 2019 we have been working to refine the preliminary design for the new road.

"We’ve made some improvements to our proposals, which will improve access safety to local roads and reduce the impact on communities, the environment, and the local landscape.

“As part of the planning process, we would like to hear your thoughts on our proposed design.

"This will help refine our preliminary design before we submit our planning application in 2022.”

The scheme aims to:

  • improve the road's capacity to reduce peak time delays and queues;
  • support economic growth, facilitating jobs and housing with a reliable connection between the South East and the South West;
  • make the road safer and improve routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders;
  • protect the environment, minimising any unnecessary impact on the surrounding natural and historic environment and landscape;
  • work with local communities to reduce the impact of the road and improve people’s quality of life;
  • make journey times more reliable and resilient.

Consultation runs from October 12 to November 22 with feedback helping National Highways develop its planning application.

All plans will be available on a dedicated consultation website, that can be accessed via www.highwaysengland.co.uk/a358-taunton-to-southfields from 10am on Tuesday, October 12, where you’ll also be able to ask questions via a web chat function.

National Highways are holding three public consultation events:

  • Tuesday, October 19, 2pm–8pm: Taunton Racecourse;
  • Saturday, October 23, 11am–6pm: Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm;
  • Wednesday, November 3, 11am–6pm, Holiday Inn Taunton, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton.

There will also be several themed webinars - for more information www.highwaysengland.co.uk/a358-taunton-to-southfields.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can request a free copy of the consultation booklet, feedback questionnaire and non-technical summary of the Preliminary Environmental Information Report by calling 0300 123 5000 or e-mailing A358TauntontoSouthfields@highwaysengland.co.uk