Major Roadworks in Taunton Set for 60 Weeks Amid Housing Plans

Major roadworks in Taunton, England, are projected to last up to 60 weeks as plans for a significant housing development come to light. The Staplegrove urban extension will include 1,628 homes, commercial spaces, and a new primary school, situated between the A358 Staplegrove Road and Taunton Road at the north-western edge of the town.

To facilitate the western portion of this development, which consists of 713 homes and an employment site, the Somerset Council’s planning committee approved a plan in late June to widen Staplegrove Road. This will provide access to the new homes and replace the existing Silk Mills roundabout with traffic lights. According to the highway officers, the construction could take over a year, with a focus on minimizing traffic disruption.

The next phase of the Staplegrove West development, proposed by Bloor Homes, aims to deliver an additional 239 homes. Despite the ongoing preparations, the council has yet to confirm a start date for the essential roadworks. Phase 1A includes the creation of a new road junction, enhancements to the road network, and landscaping, including public open space known as West Hill Park. The original permission for these elements was granted in July 2022, while a revised plan is currently under a separate application process.

Development Plans and Housing Distribution

Phase 1B of the Staplegrove development will introduce the first 239 homes, positioned on either side of the new spine road linking Staplegrove Road to Taunton Road. Of these homes, 203 will be sold at market rate, comprising three-, four-, and five-bedroom houses. Meanwhile, 21 homes will be available for social rent, and 15 will be offered as shared ownership. The development will also feature several green spaces, including Rectory Green and Rag Hill Park, along with road connections to the future employment zone near Rectory Road.

A spokesperson for Carney Sweeney, representing the developer, emphasized the project’s intent to foster a sense of identity that harmonizes with the surrounding area. They noted that pedestrian and cycle pathways will be integrated throughout the site, enhancing connectivity.

Somerset Council is anticipated to make a decision on the upcoming proposals by spring 2026. Nonetheless, construction cannot commence until the spine road and upgrades to the A358 are completed.

Infrastructure Enhancements and Traffic Management

The construction will involve significant modifications to the existing road infrastructure. A portion of the land on the northern side of the A358 will be excavated to establish the initial segment of the spine road, which will necessitate extensive earthworks due to the steep gradient of the area.

The current Silk Mills roundabout, linking the A358 to the A3065 Silk Mills Road, is slated for replacement with a signalized three-way junction. Additionally, the westbound A358 will be widened to accommodate extra lanes, alongside shared-use pedestrian and cycle paths. To create space for these enhancements, some existing trees and banks near the Grove Gate and Nash Green estates will be removed.

To ensure safety and stability, a large retaining wall will be constructed along the southern edge of Staplegrove Road. This will run between the sloped footpaths leading to Mill Rise and Nash Green, with enhancements planned for the Nash Green footpath, including new steps and a ramp to Mill Rise.

Jon Fellingham, the service manager for highways development management at Somerset Council, indicated that there is currently no confirmed start date for the roadworks. He assured residents that efforts would be made to avoid overlap with other ongoing road projects in the vicinity. He stated, “We have directed that two-way traffic flow must be maintained as much as possible throughout the work.”

While the projected timeline for the roadworks is approximately 60 weeks, it could be completed sooner, although this would likely lead to increased traffic disruption. By extending the work over a longer period, authorities aim to manage traffic flows effectively amid the various roadworks happening across the network.