The A358, a key route running from Chard to Ilminster, is set to receive vital flood protection under a new £100,000 initiative. This main road, particularly the section crossing the River Isle near Donyatt, has experienced frequent and severe flooding in recent years, causing repeated closures and disrupting daily travel for thousands of motorists.
In response to concerns raised by Donyatt Parish Council, the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has committed significant funding to tackle the flood risk on this crucial stretch. The scheme forms part of the SRA’s enhanced programme, which complements ongoing flood prevention efforts by Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, and the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium.
According to the SRA, water runoff from nearby land combined with overwhelmed drainage systems has repeatedly made the road impassable. With an average of 12,700 vehicles using the A358 daily, ensuring the road remains open is vital for local communities and commuters.
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The planned improvements focus on several key areas: Somerset Council’s highways team will clear and maintain drainage outfalls into the River Isle, while contractors will carry out significant vegetation clearance and remove silt and debris from the river itself to improve water flow. In addition, the drains along this section of the road will be jetted to clear blockages, and a comprehensive CCTV survey of the drainage infrastructure will identify any further necessary enhancements.
The SRA anticipates that these measures will not only reduce the frequency and duration of flood-related closures but also minimize the inconvenience caused by traffic diversions, helping keep this essential route safer and more reliable during heavy rainfall.