Plan to dual A358 between Taunton and A303 'paused'

The A358 was due to be dualled between the A303 and J25 at Taunton

A major road improvement scheme in Somerset has been “paused” after the government announced a review into major transport projects.

National Highways had planned scheme to dual the A358 between the Southfields roundabout in Ilminster and J25 of the M5 in Taunton.

Following the cancellation of the £1.7bn Stonehenge tunnel, rumours had circulated that the A358 project would be scrapped.

The review is expected to be concluded by October 2024.

It was hoped the scheme would create an "easier route" from the M5 to the A303

The scheme, which was expected to cost £328m to deliver, would have seen new junctions created to link the dual carriageway with the A378 towards Langport along with the villages of Hatch Beauchamp and Ashill along the existing route.

Keith Irvine has lived in Henlade for 30 years and told BBC Radio Somerset: "It’s a huge shame that it's been paused.

"I’ll probably be dead by the time it’s done!

"One morning I was sat at the bus stop and I counted 50 trucks at 6.30am – in just five minutes.

"The road has gone way past its sell-by date."

Keith Irvine has lived in Henlade on the edge of the A358 for 30 years and thinks it will "never happen"

National Highways said in a statement: “The preferred route protection remains in place while the future of the scheme is being considered by government as part of a wider review.

“We are therefore unable to confirm the future of the scheme until this process has concluded.”

Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves MP announced in July, that the Department for Transport and the Treasury would review a number of major transport schemes after uncovering £1m of unfunded spending commitments for the coming year.

The review is expected to be completed around the time of Ms Reeves’ first budget as chancellor, which will be presented to the House of Commons on October 30.