DRIVERS will be able to use a new roundabout at Washford Cross in West Somerset by the end of this year.

Work is being carried out by EDF Energy as part of a £16m package of road improvements to the local road network ahead of main construction of the planned Hinkley Point C power station. 

Community leaders from around West Somerset have been seeing for themselves the progress being made on the roundabout.

West Somerset and Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger joined deputy leader of Somerset County Council, David Hall and West Somerset Council leader Anthony Trollope-Bellew in quizzing representatives of EDF Energy and its contractor, Aggregate Industries.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, said: “I attended the site with West Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council to receive an update on how work is progressing and to confirm the work is on schedule.

"We’re pleased to see, as planned, the roundabout will become operational at the end of this year.”

Councillor David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, added: “This was a great opportunity for me to see first-hand the progress that’s been made on this project.

"Once complete, the improvements will mean that a further piece of infrastructure is in place prior to the main work beginning on the Hinkley Point C site and will address long standing community concerns regarding safety at this busy junction.”

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, leader of West Somerset Council, said: “It was extremely useful to get a first-hand update on the progress of this very important road improvement at Washford Cross.

"I know our residents and many visitors appreciated the road being re-opened for the summer season.

“Now we can look forward to the completion and full reopening later this year. This will greatly improve road safety at this busy junction.”

EDF say the new roundabout will make this part of the A39 safer and is on schedule to be operational by the end of 2015.