The UK Government has proposed to make the A358 into a dual carriageway between the M5 at Taunton and the A303 Southfields in south-west England in order to improve journey times for motorists.

The existing road infrastructure is a combination of single and dual carriageway, which is leading to traffic congestion at certain areas, and also the number of vehicles using this route is reported to have increased in the recent times.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “We are spending £15bn on upgrading our major roads, the biggest investment in a generation.

“This latest announcement is the next stage in our commitment to deliver improvements to the south-west. The A358 is a key route between the south-west and London and provides a vital link to Somerset communities.

“A dual carriageway will help existing businesses thrive and create opportunities for new companies as well as boosting tourism.

“The upgraded route is long overdue, but we are now taking action to cut congestion on the A358 to give motorists quicker, safer and more reliable journeys."

The government has also proposed to improve A303 at Stonehenge and between Sparkford and Ilchester.

Highways England is reported to have started the consultation process for the upgrade of the A358, and the process will be closed on 20 May this year.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “This scheme will take us a step closer to transforming the A303/A358 corridor into a new type of strategic road, which is as safe and reliable as a motorway and where fast and reliable journeys are the norm.

"The upgraded route is long overdue, but we are now taking action to cut congestion on the A358 to give motorists quicker, safer and more reliable journeys."

“Our consultation and programme of public exhibitions will give everyone a chance to hear more about the proposal and tell us what they think of our plans to deliver the scheme.”

The government intends to upgrade existing road between Southfields and West Hatch, which will be split into a new dual carriageway and will be connected to M5 at a new junction at Shoreditch.

As part of the new proposal, the authorities will be providing a provision for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.

Highway authorities and the government anticipate that these upgrades would provide major development opportunities south of Taunton. 

Image: UK Government proposes a new route to upgrade a major south-west road. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright.