Major A-road reopens after three years with new dual carriageway installed

This major upgrade, completed after three years of construction, aims to alleviate a significant bottleneck in the county.

The project promises to boost economic growth, improve journey times, and enhance safety for the 23,500 vehicles which use the section daily.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The new dual carriageway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, benefiting both daily commuters and holiday traffic.

National Highways has undertaken extensive work on the A303 upgrade. The project included building three new junctions at Camel Cross, Downhead and Hazlegrove.

These junctions are designed to safely separate traffic, enhancing road safety. Two new structures were also constructed including a bridge at Steart Hill and an underpass at Hazlegrove.

Siân Hopkins, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said: "This will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses this year and into the future."

The project aims to provide more reliable journey times and improve safety for drivers. It's expected to support local economic growth by creating a modernised road network.

Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, commented: "A safer and less congested A303 will benefit both people living in Glastonbury and Somerton and the millions of tourists who visit the West Country each year alike."

The upgrade is also anticipated to reduce pollution from queuing traffic, particularly during busy summer months.

David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of the project for local businesses.

He added: “Somerset is home to a wide range of businesses and good transport links are vital to ensure they can trade on a level playing field with their more urban counterparts.

“Dualling this section of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester is to be welcomed as it will help to ensure a greater flow of traffic, result in fewer delays and, therefore, costs to businesses and make it easier for firms to access a wider supply chain.”

The A303 upgrade project has also yielded significant archaeological discoveries. On-site archaeologists have helped chart the area's history, unearthing various artefacts. These include a copper alloy brooch decorated with enamel-filled lozenges, dating back to AD 60-150.

A worked bone point, possibly used as a pin, skewer, weaving shuttle or pin beater for textile manufacture, was also found.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Scotland to use Budget funds to roll out 20mph limits on streets - 'Top priority'
• Motorists warned of £1,000 penalties this Bonfire Night for breaking crucial law
• Electric car market surpasses petrol and diesel sales for third month running despite Budget changes

Giles Adams, Visit Somerset Chair, commented: “Visit Somerset very much welcomes the remarkable improvements to the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester.

“We are very appreciative to the local communities and businesses that have worked around the development period and now look forward to the route helping deliver improved travel experiences and economic benefit for the important visitor economy in Somerset.”