A £19.2MILLION project set to improve a major motorway junction in Somerset is “on budget” and “on target” despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Work started on Taunton’s M5 Junction 25 Improvement Scheme in April 2019, after planning permission was approved in December 2018.

READ MORE: Plan to transform junction 25 gets green light

Somerset County Council (SCC) have said the work is set to finish next summer (2021).

“Good progress is being made with a significant amount of work being undertaken by the contractor in recent months,” said a spokesperson for SCC.

“Despite the difficult conditions we’ve faced since March, we’re pleased to confirm that the project is on budget and on target to complete as planned in Summer 2021.

“Once complete the scheme will benefit the economy in Taunton by supporting the delivery of employment and residential development, it will better manage peak hour congestion at Junction 25 and improve access to Taunton and the motorway, as well as improving accessibility to Taunton and future development areas for pedestrians and cyclists.”

The scheme aims to cut peak hour congestion in and out of Taunton and to avoid vehicles backing up on the motorway.

READ MORE: Site clearance ahead of junction 25 improvements

The upgrade involves signalisation and enlarging the roundabout, widening of the eastern exit, a new roundabout to access the proposed Nexus 25 employment site and safer pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Somerset County Gazette:

KEY MILESTONE: Blackbrook Bridge lifted into place in February 2020

READ MORE: Blackbrook Bridge lifted into place

Earlier this year, the new junction 25 bridge beams were lifted into place – a key milestone in the project.