The A303 is the key artery between Cornwall and the capital. The section between Sparkford and Ilchester is a mix of dual and single lane carriageway, which leads to localised congestion. It also has a poor accident record.
Highways England has put forward two route options for public consultation. The consultation runs from 15th February to 29th March 2017. The preferred route is due to be announced in autumn this year and construction work is expected to start in 2020.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “This scheme will be really good news for people travelling to and from the south-west, particularly during the busy summer months. Our consultation and public exhibitions will provide an excellent opportunity to explain further our plans and to hear feedback from people on our proposals to deliver the scheme.”
A separate consultation on building a tunnel for the A303 near Stonehenge is also under way.
Further details on upgrading the A358 between Taunton and Southfields will also be revealed shortly.
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