Motorists can expect long queues of traffic across Chard for the next nine months as the first phase of significant roadworks ramp up. Wales & West Utilities has been working since late-October 2024 to upgrade the gas pipes along the A358 Furnham Road – with work currently being carried out at the junctions of Beeching Close (near the town’s household waste recycling centre) and Chaffcombe Road (where a new care home is currently under construction).
The company announced in November 2024 that it would be carrying out significant improvements around the Furzehill and Glynswood area of Chard, upgrading the town’s gas network with an investment of £415,000. At the same time, Wessex Water is implementing £1.3m of improvements to the local sewage network near Furzehill and Glynswood, in a bid to reduce flood risk to nearby properties and businesses.
The first of four phases of roadworks officially got under way on Tuesday morning (January 7), one day later than anticipated, with the junction of Furnham Road and Victoria Avenue being closed off to motorists. The existing traffic signals at the junction of Furnham Road and Coker Way (near the town’s B&Q outlet) have been taken out of action, with temporary traffic lights being implemented for the duration of this phase.
Wessex Water project manager Mike Horton stated in November 2024: “Historically, this area of Chard has suffered issues with sewer flooding during heavy rain, which is why we’re proposing this significant investment towards addressing the capacity of the network. We recognise that work like this is disruptive and are working closely with the council and Wales & West to ensure these projects are completed in a way that can reduce longer-term inconvenience for local customers.”
Wales & West Utilities’ upgrades will see ageing metal pipes replaced with plastic ones, which are long-lasting and will help to future-proof the network for the next few decades. Programme controller Roxanne Whittaker stated in November 2024: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, which is why we’re working in collaboration with the council and Wessex Water to minimise disruption to the local community.
“Our team of engineers will be working as safely and as quickly as possible to complete this essential upgrade work to make sure the network is fit for the future.” By carrying out these two sets of roadworks simultaneously, Somerset Council believes it will reduce long-term disruption for residents and businesses – as well as meaning the same section of road won’t need to be resurfaced twice in as many years.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said: “These are two vital schemes for Chard. We’re really pleased to see the sewer improvement being delivered – it’s great news for residents who have suffered from sewer flooding in the immediate area.
“The gas main improvement is taking place across Somerset. Sharing road space and getting both important schemes done at the same time during 2025 will minimise disruption for road users and residents.
Victoria Avenue in Chard is closed at the junction with the A358 Furnham Road until February 13
(Image: Daniel Mumby)
“We are fully aware there will be an impact for those in the immediate area and the travelling public which is why we are working collaboratively to reduce this as much as possible.” Phase one of the roadworks will run until February 12, and will concern a short stretch of Victoria Avenue between Furnham Road and Great Western Road (leading towards the Henson Park estate).
No parking signs will be installed along this section of the road while the sewer upgrade is ongoing, with traffic being diverted along the A30 East Street and Furnham Road. The roadworks near Beeching Close and Chaffcombe Road are expected to conclude on January 15.
Phase two will run from February 13 to May 30, and will see Furnham Road closed between Glynswood and Victoria Avenue – though access will be maintained for local residents. Motorists will be diverted along Victoria Avenue and East Street while the sewers and gas network is upgraded in this area.
Map showing the different phases of the Chard roadworks
(Image: Somerset Council)
Phase three will run from May 22 to June 30, with the sewer upgrade centring around the junction of Furnham Road with Glynswood. During this phase, motorists from the east will be diverted along Victoria Avenue, East Street and Furnham Road, while those from the west will be diverted along the A30 Fore Street, Helliers Road, Crimchard and Glynswood.
The fourth and final phase will also begin on May 22 and will run until September 29, focussing on the eastern end of Glynswood – with the same diversions being in force as in phase three. Throughout each of these phases, those living at the northern end of Furnham Road will be able to access Glynswood and the town centre via Thorndun Park Drive.
Access will be maintained throughout for emergency vehicles and waste collections, though the current bus stop at the junction with Coker Way may need to be relocated. For more information on these and other roadworks in your area, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.
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