The A358, a vital route between Chard and Ilminster, is set to benefit from a £100,000 flood protection scheme after suffering frequent closures in recent years. This key stretch of road, which crosses the River Isle near Donyatt, has been plagued by heavy flooding, causing significant disruption for motorists and leading to numerous lengthy diversions.
In response to ongoing concerns raised by Donyatt Parish Council, the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has pledged funding to improve flood defenses along this critical corridor. The initiative forms part of the SRA’s enhanced programme, which supplements ongoing flood prevention efforts by Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, and the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium.
The project focuses on clearing and maintaining drainage infrastructure to prevent water from overwhelming the carriageway. Somerset Council’s highways team will clean outfall points along the A358, ensure drains discharge efficiently into the River Isle, and conduct a full CCTV survey of the drainage network to identify additional improvements.
READ MORE: Future of Highbridge Community Hub at Isleport Grove Development Uncertain
Furthermore, significant vegetation clearance and removal of silt and debris will be carried out in the River Isle to boost its capacity and reduce flood risk. With approximately 12,700 vehicles using this route daily, the work aims to minimize road closures and ease traffic disruptions caused by flooding.
A spokesperson for the SRA explained, “Restoring effective surface water outfalls and improving drainage should shorten flood durations and reduce the need for road closures. This will help keep the A358 open and reliable for local communities.”