Chard faces nine months of roadworks, causing significant traffic delays and disruptions for local residents and motorists.
Chard: Motorists are in for a rough ride as roadworks kick off in the area. For the next nine months, expect long queues and delays. It all started with the first phase of major roadworks aimed at upgrading the gas pipes along the A358 Furnham Road.
Wales & West Utilities has been on the job since late October 2024, focusing on the junctions of Beeching Close and Chaffcombe Road. They’re also working on a new care home nearby, so it’s a busy spot.
In November 2024, they announced a hefty £415,000 investment to improve the gas network in Chard. At the same time, Wessex Water is pouring in £1.3 million to upgrade the sewage system to help prevent flooding in the area.
The first phase of the roadworks officially started on January 7, just a day later than planned. The junction of Furnham Road and Victoria Avenue is closed, and the usual traffic lights at Furnham Road and Coker Way are out of action. Temporary lights are now in place.
Mike Horton, the project manager for Wessex Water, mentioned that this area has had its fair share of sewer flooding during heavy rains. They’re hoping this investment will help fix that. He acknowledged the disruption but assured that they’re working closely with the council to minimize the hassle.
Wales & West Utilities is replacing old metal pipes with durable plastic ones, which should last for decades. Roxanne Whittaker, the programme controller, emphasized that they’re trying to work as quickly and safely as possible to keep the community’s inconvenience to a minimum.
By tackling both projects at once, Somerset Council aims to cut down on long-term disruptions. Councillor Richard Wilkins expressed his satisfaction with the sewer improvements, especially for residents who have dealt with flooding issues.
Victoria Avenue is closed at the junction with A358 Furnham Road until February 13. They’re aware of the impact on local traffic and are doing their best to manage it.
Phase one will wrap up on February 12, focusing on a stretch of Victoria Avenue. No parking signs will be up, and traffic will be diverted along A30 East Street and Furnham Road. The work near Beeching Close and Chaffcombe Road is expected to finish by January 15.
Looking ahead, phase two runs from February 13 to May 30, closing Furnham Road between Glynswood and Victoria Avenue. Local residents will still have access, but others will need to take a detour.
Phase three is set for May 22 to June 30, with more diversions in place. The final phase will also start on May 22 and go until September 29, focusing on the eastern end of Glynswood.
Emergency vehicles and waste collections will still have access, but the bus stop at Coker Way might need to be moved. For more details on these roadworks, check out the Somerset Council website.
