A major route through Chard town centre, the A358, will be closed during evening hours for almost three weeks to undergo essential resurfacing. This project, led by Somerset Council and carried out by contractor Heidelberg Materials, aims to repair damaging potholes and improve road conditions along this vital commuter and freight corridor.
From Friday, April 17, until Tuesday, May 5, the A358 will be shut between 6:30 pm and 11:30 pm on weekdays only. The closure covers the stretch from the junction with Chardstock Lane, near the allotments, to just outside Chard Leisure Centre. The road will remain open during daytime hours, weekends, and throughout the May Day bank holiday to minimize disruption.
Motorists traveling to or from Chard during these evening closures will be diverted via a near ten-mile route through Tatworth and Cricket St. Thomas. Traffic coming from the south on the A358 will be rerouted back along Tatworth Road, onto the B3167 through South Chard and Tatworth. The detour continues along the B3167 to its junction with the A30 Roman Road, near Cricket St. Thomas Golf Club, then westwards to rejoin the A358 at the Convent Link junction.
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Those heading to Axminster from Chard will follow the reverse of this diversion. While smaller vehicles might reduce their detour by using local roads, these shortcuts will not be officially signposted or recommended.
Somerset Council has assured residents and businesses near the roadworks that access will be maintained throughout the project. A spokesperson said the council is committed to minimizing disruption as much as possible.
Further roadworks are planned for early June along the A30 Crewkerne Road and St. Rayn’s Hill as part of the council’s surface dressing programme.