The A358 between the Southfields Roundabout and junction 25 of the M5 at Taunton was set to be dualled. Picture: Google

Plan to dual A358 between Taunton and Ilminster scrapped in Budget

Paul JonesOctober 31, 20240 Comment0

PLANS to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 at Taunton have been scrapped.

The announcement, which had been rumoured for some months, was confirmed after Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Lab, Leeds West and Pudsey) delivered her first Budget speech on Wednesday (October 30).

A scheme to dual the busy route from the Southfields Roundabout to junction 25 of the M5 motorway had been years in the planning, including several public consultations.

However, after the new Labour Government was installed in July, the project was among a number thought to have been scrapped – along with the A303 Stonehenge scheme in neighbouring Wiltshire – due to costs.

And the official Budget documents confirmed the move, saying: “As part of the government’s commitment to growth, it will take difficult decisions where there is not a clear value for money case to invest.

“After a review, the Transport Secretary has decided not to progress with the following unfunded and unaffordable road schemes on the strategic road network: A5036 Princess Way, A358 Taunton to Southfields, M27 J8 Southampton, the A47 Great Yarmouth Vauxhall Roundabout and A1 Morpeth to Ellingham.”

As part of his reaction to the Budget, leader of Somerset Council Bill Revans said news of the A358 decision was “disappointing news for Somerset”.