UK Government plans to dual Somerset road

The UK Government is planning to invest £170m to upgrade a key route between Sparkford and Ilchester in order to ease traffic congestion, and build 30 miles of dual carriageway between Mere and South Petherton.

The investment plan is reported to be part of the government’s £15bn investment for improving motorways and major A roads between 2015 and 2020 across the UK.

The government anticipates that by dualling the route and construction of new junctions will enhance safety would significantly reduce the travel times of nearly 26,000 motorists who use this route on a day to day basis.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Almost four million trips are made on the A303 every year and we are investing more than £2bn to improve these motorists’ journeys, making them quicker and safer.

“Tackling congestion on this vital road will also help boost the economy in the south-west, unlock thousands of jobs and homes and promote tourism.

The project works will focus on making junctions safer, as well as provide better links to the pedestrians and cyclists.

Highways England has already initiated consulting process on the two routes and is urging residents to give their opinion and suggestion on its new plans.

The preferred route between Sparkford and Ilchester will be announced later this year and work is expected to start in 2020.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “This scheme will be really good news for people travelling to and from the south-west, particularly during the busy summer months.

“Our consultation and public exhibitions will provide an excellent opportunity to explain further our plans and to hear feedback from people on our proposals to deliver the scheme.

The government further added that a separate consultation for building a tunnel on A303 near Stonehenge is also underway, which would further improve journeys between London and the south-west.