A busy thoroughfare in Somerset has been hit with new traffic disruptions only days after reopening from extensive repairs on a sinkhole. The B3152 Station Road in Castle Cary is a key route connecting the town centre to its railway station and serving several new housing developments.
Problems first arose in July 2021, leading Somerset Council to install temporary traffic lights on the affected section between Almsford Close and Victoria Gardens in July 2024. After several months of closure, a full repair was completed and the road reopened on Friday, 14 August.
However, by Monday, 17 August-just three days later-Persimmon Homes Severn Valley set up temporary traffic lights south of the previous sinkhole location to facilitate a partial road closure. These measures are expected to remain in place until 30 November, potentially increasing journey times for local residents and railway passengers alike.
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Persimmon received planning approval in April to develop the Tor View site west of Station Road, which will eventually include 162 homes, commercial units, and a new primary school. Construction has been progressing rapidly, and some local residents expressed concern after significant mature hedgerows were removed along the road.
Councillor Henry Hobhouse, representing Castle Cary and surrounding villages, confirmed that the roadworks are part of Persimmon’s three-month plan to improve drainage related to the new development. He noted, “Persimmon requested to extend their closure until November, although initially the work was scheduled from April until now. They only began the drainage work two weeks ago. The cost of the traffic lights is being met by Persimmon.”
Details about this and other ongoing roadworks in Castle Cary can be found at www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.
These roadworks will coincide with the Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival on 17 October. The procession route concludes near the junction of Station Road and Victoria Gardens just south of the Persimmon works, which organisers expect will cause minimal disruption for participants and spectators.
As part of the carnival arrangements, Churchfield Drive, Florida Fields, Victoria Gardens, and Victoria Park will be closed from 4pm on the day to allow the procession to assemble before starting.