THE route of a proposed new section of road to speed up traffic on one of the busiest roads in Somerset has been revealed today (Tuesday).

Highways England is holding a public consultation over creating a new dual carriageway road veering off the A358 at West Hatch and running through the countryside to Shoreditch.

It has also unveiled a new M5 junction (Junction A) at Killams Avenue and further junctions on the A358 at West Hatch and near Ashill.

And the existing carriageway from West Hatch Lane to Southfields Roundabout at Ilminster would be widened as part of the scheme.

There could also be "new bridges or underpasses at locations to be determined to ensure good connectivity is retained across the dual carriageway for motorists, cyclists, equestrians and pedestrians".

A Highways England spokesman said: "The scheme objectives are to relieve congestion, support economic growth and improve safety on one of the busiest stretches of the A303/A358 corridor that connects the South West to London and the South East."

Highways England is holding a by-invitation meeting about the proposals in Taunton this evening ahead of the public consultation, which runs until May 20.

Members of the public will have the chance to view the proposals at the following events.

  • Friday, April 7: Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall, 10am to 6pm.
  • Saturday, April 8: Taunton Racecourse, Orchard Portman, 10am to 6pm.
  • Monday, April 10: Holiday Inn, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton. 12 noon to 8pm.
  • Tuesday, April 11: Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm. 12 noon to 8pm.
  • Monday, May 8: Holiday Inn, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton. 10am to 5pm.