Wellington and nearby village residents will have three opportunities to learn about the £5.7m upgrade to the Chelston link road after public drop-in event dates were confirmed. The link road, also known as the ‘concrete carriageway,’ connects junction 26 of the M5 to Wellington, the Westpark 26 business park, and the A38 towards Taunton.
The Somerset Council announced the upgrade in late-April and aims to start the project in mid-June, nearly five years after receiving funding from the Department for Transport (DfT). Before the work begins, the council and its contractor Heidelberg Materials will host drop-in events in Wellington and West Buckland, allowing locals to learn more about the scheme and provide feedback on mitigating its impact over the summer.
The Chelston link road, built in 1974, serves as a connection between Wellington and the M5 to Taunton. Due to the road’s deteriorating surface, causing vehicle damage and discomfort to motorists, the upgrade is essential.
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The project will necessitate a complete closure of both the motorway junction and the link road from June 15 until late-September due to extensive excavations around the junction 26 roundabout. However, access to the Foxmoor Business Park will be maintained from the Chelston roundabout.
Heidelberg Materials will utilize the ‘rubblization’ technique to break up the existing concrete road surface, a modern recycling method that saves both carbon emissions and reduces disruption. This method aligns with the Council’s efforts to minimize disturbances caused by the construction.
The project’s budget of £5.7m includes funding from the DfT and the council through borrowing. For further roadwork details in the local area, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.