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A303: Overnight closure and road layout changes as project continues

National Highways An aerial shot of a road being builtNational Highways
There will be temporary changes to the layout on the A303 in Somerset while improvement work continues

Drivers are being warned of an overnight closure to allow for changes to the road layout on the A303 as a scheme to tackle congestion continues.

National Highways have said there will be temporary road layout changes on the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester to allow for further improvement works.

The changes will be around Yeovilton Junction, Podimore roundabout and Steart Hill Junction.

The road will be shut from 21:00 GMT on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday.

The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester project involves building a dual carriageway link, including new and replacement slip roads, junctions and road bridges to replace existing junctions and direct access roads to improve traffic flow.

The changes being put in place include moving traffic onto the newly built eastbound carriageway to allow space to build the new westbound dual carriageway.

National Highways An artist's impression of the finished A303 roadNational Highways
The A303 Sparkford to Ilchester project involves building a dual carriageway link

Sian Hopkins, the project manager for National Highways, said disruption was being kept to a minimum but an overnight closure was needed to make the changes.

The road changes include:

  • Eastbound traffic on the A303 will travel from Podimore roundabout and follow traffic management to take them on to the new eastbound carriageway of the A303
  • Westbound traffic on the A303 will switch from the westbound carriageway at Steart Hill and will run temporarily on the new eastbound carriageway of the A303
  • Local traffic will have different entry and exit points to the A303 - the newly built Steart Hill overbridge will be open, connecting the community of Downhead to villages to the south of the A303

During the overnight closure, access will remain for residents with direct access onto the A303 and a signed diversion will be in place for all other traffic.

Ms Hopkins said: "We understand roadworks and changes in road layout can be frustrating, but we've communicated the traffic switch well in advance to local communities.

"We're ensuring access is maintained for residents and business, and we'll be keeping people fully informed as we continue to progress with the scheme."

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