ESSENTIAL maintenance work to repair and improve the A358 near Taunton is due to take place next month.

Somerset County Council’s highways team will be rebuilding and resurfacing the carriageway between Henlade and Thornfalcon over a seven-week period starting on Monday, October 13.

Most of the work will take place at night to minimise disruption, but some lane closures will be in place during the day so that the scheme can be completed quicker.

The substantial repairs have to take place before winter because the A358 is a strategic flood diversion route, although they have been timed to avoid Taunton Carnival.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Everyone wants to see smoother, safer roads and this project represents a major investment in one of our most important routes.

“We’ve planned the work carefully to minimise disruption as much as possible, and I know our engineers will be working hard to complete this major upgrade as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately, the A358 is the busiest non-trunk road in the county, so any roadworks are inevitably going to have an impact on travel times.

“I’m pleased to say that the road will be overlaid with an innovative new surface to extend its life and reduce the need for future maintenance.

“In the meantime, please bear with us and remember the long-term benefits during any periods of short-term inconvenience.”

The work will be carried out in four phases starting on October 13.

*Phases 1a and 1b – night-time closure with traffic lights and convoy working between Henlade post office and Thorn Lane. Roadworks will not take place on October 18 to avoid disruption to Taunton Carnival.

*Phases 2 and 3 – 24-hour lane closure from tarmac works to the A378 Thornfalcon junction, travelling outbound from Taunton.

There will also be short-term closures for roads adjoining the A358 in this area at various times. These will be signed on site in advance.