Major roadworks in Chard, Somerset, will now extend well beyond the originally planned completion date, clashing with the town’s annual carnival on October 11. Wales & West Utilities and Wessex Water are jointly carrying out extensive improvements in the Furzehill and Glynswood areas, aiming to upgrade the gas and sewage networks with investments totaling nearly £1.7 million.
The project began in early January 2024, with Phase One closing the Furnham Road and Victoria Avenue junction, followed by Phase Two involving closures along Furnham Road between Victoria Avenue and Glynswood. While initially scheduled to reopen by May 30, the section will remain closed until September 1, with construction shifting focus to the eastern end of Glynswood from June 30.
The overall roadworks are now expected to finish on October 31, a month later than planned. According to a joint letter from the utilities and Somerset Council, unforeseen underground utilities obstructed sewer installation, necessitating additional work including laying 35 metres of new electrical cable. This discovery has led to revised timelines to accommodate the complex overlap of gas, sewage, and telecom upgrades.
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Wessex Water is continuing sewer line renovations along Furnham Road to Glynswood, while Wales & West Utilities will carry out its gas main upgrades through the summer. Virgin Media O2 is also conducting cabling work with minimal traffic disruption.
During the closures, motorists must navigate alternative routes primarily via Victoria Avenue and the A30 East Street, with some unofficial diversions also in use. Local residents are advised to plan ahead as the extended roadworks will affect travel and access to the town centre and surrounding areas for several more months.