CHARD is set for nine months of phased roadworks as two vital infrastructure schemes are planned for 2025.

The A358 Furnham Road will be the road most affected by phased closures from January to approximately September 2025 as Wales and West Utilities is carrying out a £415,000 upgrade to a gas main by replacing the aging metal pipes.

Wessex Water is also combatting sewer flooding in the town with more than a £1.3 million upgrade which will require a closure on the T-junction of Furzehill from November 18 to December 20 this year to allow for advanced works to take place.

Work will also be done on Glynswood and Victoria Avenue.

Details dates and locations of closures:

• There will be phased closures between early January 2025 and September 2025 to allow both operators to deliver their schemes. These include a closure of the A358 from February 2025 to the end of May 2025.
• A shorter closure of Victoria Avenue is required from early January to mid-February and a significant partial closure of Glynswood is required between May and September. Diversions will be in place.
• The junction of A358 Furnham Road and Glynswood will be closed from late May to late June.
• There will also be some parking restrictions on Victoria Avenue as this will form part of the diversion route.
• July onwards A358 Furnham Road reopens, but work will still be underway in Glynswood.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste services said: “These are two vital schemes for Chard – we’re really pleased to see the sewer improvement being delivered – it’s great news for residents who have suffered from sewer flooding in the immediate area.

The road closures will support work to improve drainage and gas main upgrade in the town Picture: Somerset Council

“The gas main improvement is taking place across Somerset. Sharing road space and getting both important schemes done at the same time during 2025 will minimise disruption for road users and residents, but we are fully aware there will be an impact for those in the immediate area and the travelling public which is why we are working collaboratively to reduce this as much as possible.”

Wessex Water project manager Mike Horton said: “Historically, this area of Chard has suffered issues with sewer flooding during heavy rain which is why we’re proposing this significant investment towards addressing the capacity of the network.

“We recognise that work like this is disruptive and are working closely with Somerset Council and Wales & West to ensure these projects are completed in a way that can reduce longer-term inconvenience for local customers.’’

Wales and West Utilities Programme Controller, Roxanne Whittaker said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal which is why we’re working in collaboration with Somerset Council and Wessex Water to minimise disruption to the local community.

“Our team of engineers will be working as safely and as quickly as possible to complete this essential upgrade work to make sure the network is fit for the future.”

Residents are invited to learn more about the road closures and the work involved at a public drop-in session at the Guildhall in Chard (Fore Street, TA20 1PP) on November 20 between 9am and 6pm, with representatives from Somerset Council, Wessex Water and Wales and West Utilities on hand to explain more about the work and answer questions.

Residents and businesses in the immediate area have been written to and visited by both Wessex Water and Wales and West Utilities in advance of the drop-in.