A358 plans 'will not be submitted' confirm National Highways
The agency has given an update this morning
Last updated 6th Mar 2024
Ahead of the budget, there's been confirmation this morning that plans to dual a major Somerset route have been stopped.
The A358 scheme - between Taunton and Ilminster - was put on hold in December.
In a statement, this morning, National Highways say they have support from Government for the decision and will - in their words - continue to work with impacted landowners and communities to resolve any outstanding queries
The scheme has cost around £250 million so far and the decision follows lots of public consultations and redesigns. over the past few years.
National Highways say they're now working with government on the next steps.
The full statement reads: “National Highways with the support from Government will not be submitting the Development Consent Order application for the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme and we are working with Government on the next steps.
“We will continue to work with impacted landowners and communities to resolve any outstanding queries they may have regarding the current scheme proposal.”
Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow said: "For many months I have been working with communities along the route of the A358.
"Wide ranging concerns have been raised regarding some stretches of the proposed upgrade and I have had meetings with the Roads Minister and the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, to make it clear that the most pressing issue on this road is the need for a bypass for Henlade.
"I am exploring opportunities to further this. I have another meeting scheduled with the Roads Minister shortly.”
In May 2022 National Highways said it made changes to the planned dual carriageway on the A358 between Taunton and Southfields.
In 2022 we reported that campaigners said they were disappointed the A358 dual carriageway plans will not include a new cycling link between Taunton and Ilminster.