Residents and business owners in Somerset are urging the local council to reconsider its plans to close an M5 link road for three months, fearing the devastating impact it may have on local businesses. The £5.7m revamp of Somerset’s ‘concrete carriageway’ is slated to commence in June, nearly five years after the government first approved the funding.
The project, funded by the Department for Transport, aims to upgrade and resurface the roundabout at junction 26 of the M5 and the Chelston Link Road to Wellington, known locally as the ‘concrete carriageway’. However, delays in the project have led to concerns, as the entire road is now set to be closed to traffic for three months starting June 16.
Jack Cripps, the owner of Wellington Landscaping & Garden Building, expressed concerns over the potential economic impact on local businesses. He initiated a petition on Change.org, urging the council and transport authorities to explore alternative solutions that support local businesses and the community. Cripps emphasized the adverse effects of limiting access to the crucial artery that not only serves businesses but also the daily commutes of Wellington residents.
READ MORE: Fatal Gas Explosion and Fire in South West Flats
READ MORE: Frome’s Safer Schools Street Scheme: Seeking Permanent Change
The Chelston Link Road, constructed in 1974, requires remedial work due to deteriorating road surfaces, causing discomfort to motorists and damage to vehicles. The council’s highways contractor plans to utilize an innovative “rubblization” technique to break up the existing concrete road surface and recycle it as a sub-base for the new road, minimizing carbon emissions and lorry movements on local roads.
While the proposed approach aims to expedite the scheme, concerns about prolonged road closures and increased congestion remain. Councillor Richard Wilkins explained the necessity of the project, emphasizing the opportunity to completely renew the vital road with secured funding from the government.
The roadwork forms part of the council’s broader capital programme, aimed at various regeneration projects across the county. With £4.783m of the £5.7m budget provided by the DfT, the council is actively pursuing infrastructure improvements to benefit local communities.
For more details on roadworks in the local area, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.