A303 improvements head county list in bid for £154M grant

22 October 2008

A bid to secure £154M of government funding has been agreed by Somerset County Council to finance a number of proposed transport schemes.

The schemes being put forward are a mixture of short-term proposals which can be delivered in the next five years, as well as longer-term schemes.

The latter will accommodate significant new housing development over the next 10-15 years. One of the proposals the county council plans to put forward is a lower-cost scheme for tackling congestion and safety problems on the A303 in Somerset and A358 between Ilminster and Taunton.

However, the long-standing dual-carriageway scheme, promoted by the Highways Agency, is proving to be undeliverable, due to its high cost. A bypass for Hendale has been presented as an alternative.

The proposals are all in addition to the council’s existing Local Transport Plan. If the council is successful in its bid, funding would be available for the period up to 2019.

Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, portfolio holder for planning, transport and waste, said: ‘By submitting this bid, the county council hopes to secure funds to deliver schemes needed now in Taunton, as well as looking to the future for growth in Taunton, Bridgewater and Yeovil.

‘All of the proposals on the list have the potential to support town regeneration or housing growth, while tackling the issues of traffic congestion and pollution.’ The council expects to hear by February 2009 if its bid has been successful.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login