DRIVERS will use newly-built sections of the revamped A303 in Somerset from this month – as work continues on upgrading the busy route.

National Highways has confirmed it will be changing the way the traffic flows along the road, as upgrade work continues.

At times it will be necessary for motorists to switch from one carriageway to another (crossover), and in some instances will be using sections of the newly built road, while works are completed where the new road will tie in, a spokesperson said.

There will be six phased crossovers in total, with the first happening this month (May), between Podimore roundabout and the junction from the A303 to Yeovilton (B3151).
Motorists will see traffic management on the road from May 9, with a new speed limit imposed from May 30.

Following this, there will be five further traffic switches as the scheme nears completion.

Hannah Sanderson, programme manager for National Highways, said: “To complete this work safely, we need to introduce some traffic management onto the road and 30mph limits will be required in sections where traffic is crossing over from one side to the other.

“This is being done for the safety of road users and for the safety of our construction team who’ll be working closely to the road.

“Our primary goal is to keep all traffic moving, while maintaining the safety of all those using or working alongside the road. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.

“We have analysed traffic flows carefully to check there is no significant risk of disruption and will be keeping everyone fully informed via signing and the media.

“We would ask that drivers plan their journeys and follow signing carefully to avoid being delayed more than necessary and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.”

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The scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester is aimed at boosting economic growth in Somerset, as well as tackling a long-standing bottleneck, reducing journey times to the South West and improving traffic flows at peak times and during peak seasons.

On an average day, the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester carries 23,500 vehicles, but numbers increase significantly in the summer, particularly at weekends, making journeys unreliable and unpredictable.

The upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic in spring 2024.