Extended Road Closure at Castle Cary’s Busy Railway Station Amid Ongoing Repairs

A crucial access road to one of Somerset’s busiest railway stations in Castle Cary will remain closed until the end of July, extending through the summer holidays due to ongoing roadworks originally triggered by a sinkhole repair.

Problems first surfaced in July 2021 on the B3152 Station Road, near a new Persimmon Homes Severn Valley development comprising 162 homes, commercial spaces, and a new primary school. Temporary traffic lights were installed in July 2024 between Almsford Close and Victoria Gardens to protect local traffic while a permanent solution was devised.

Somerset Council announced in February that extensive repair work addressing the sinkhole and related road damage would commence and coincide with resurfacing efforts nearby. The contractor, Crestmoors, initially planned to finish repairs by July 1; however, the closure has now been extended to July 31.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, representing Castle Cary, explained that installation of new ducting revealed sewer damage caused by the adjacent housing estate, necessitating additional repair time and lengthening the road closure. The restoration also involves improvements to a culvert beneath the road, which manages drainage from Fairfield public open space.

Further complexity arises from the need to support a gas pipe that had been left unsupported within the sinkhole, contributing to increased repair costs. Until the work is complete, traffic accessing the railway station from south of Castle Cary will be diverted via Torbay Road, Blackworthy Road, and the B3153 Station Road, adding up to ten minutes to journey times.

Passengers traveling to Castle Cary town center should follow the same diversion in reverse, use the A371 Ansford Hill entrance, or take the pedestrian route south of the station. Meanwhile, a new bus service linking the railway station with Glastonbury and nearby villages is expected to be announced soon.