Important utility upgrade and replacement schemes are scheduled to start on the A358 in north Taunton later this month.
The work is planned by Wales and West Utilities (WWU) and National Grid to replace ageing gas services and the electrical network, along Staplegrove Road and Minehead Road and will start 20 July, running through to October.
At the same time, Bloor Homes and its contractors will continue work on access to the new development in this area and associated highway improvements, including improvements at Silk Mills junction. Bringing the utility works and development-related highway works together under a single coordinated programme reduces the need for further major traffic management and excavation works once the development infrastructure has been completed.
The work will require a 1-way system along the A358, operating inward-bound to Taunton only. A diversion will be in place outbound via Silk Mills.
The work has been timed so that the bulk of it will happen during the school summer holidays.
A public drop-in is being held at Taunton Vale Sports Club between 10am and 3pm on Monday 6 July 2026. Representatives from WWU, National Grid, Somerset Council and Bloor Homes will be available to discuss the scheme.
Supported by Somerset Council, the operators are co-ordinating these works with Developer Bloor Homes, which is currently building a junction access to its development site on the A358 in this area. This scheme also includes significant improvements to the Silk Mills junction.
The aim is for the Developer to work in collaboration with WWU and National Grid, as well as Openreach to ensure work is coordinated over the coming months to ensure no further work is required after Bloor completes its A358 works in September 2027. The alternative would be for the various utilities to do their work after this date which would lead to further long-term disruption on this key route.
You can read more about these works and the main Bloor Homes scheme via staplegrove-highwayworks.co.uk.
For enquiries about the utility works, contact:
- WWU on 0800 912 2999, or
- National Grid on 0800 096 3080.
