THE first phase of a major roadworks scheme at a busy Taunton junction has been brought forwards.

Somerset County Council had originally planned to start work on a major improvement scheme at the Creech Castle junction in April 2020, but this was postponed until 2021 to support the local economy following the coronavirus lockdown.

However, in line with the wider national agenda to encourage people to walk and cycle rather than use public transport, it is now planned to bring forward some advance works.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “This is a very busy junction and has long been a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Although the full benefits won’t be realised until the overall scheme is complete, I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring forward the advance works to help encourage walking and cycling at this location.”

From the Monday, September 7 until Christmas 2020 the works will consist of:

• Widening of the footway along the A38 north of the junction for a length of approximately 500m.

• New off-road and on-road cycleways, including the provision of a new Toucan Crossing

• Carriageway surfacing and associated lighting and signs

The works will be split into phases moving along the A38 near the Aldi supermarket with temporary traffic lights in place during this time. Night-time closures will be required at a later date for the resurfacing.

A separate project to improve drainage and the road surface in Hyde Lane will also begin on September 7 with the road closed near Hyde Lane Cottages for approximately four weeks.

The advance works will be delivered by Alun Griffiths Ltd, who are currently continuing to work on the nearby M5 Junction 25 improvement scheme.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: "Postponing the Creech Castle works has allowed the contractor to press on at Junction 25 during the lockdown period and works remain on schedule, despite the coronavirus disruption."