ILMINSTER NEWS: Meeting held over planned Station Road closure

MEMBERS of Ilminster Town Council and the business community have met with county highway officials to discuss the forthcoming closure of Station Road in Ilminster.

There have been a number of concerns raised by local businesses about the planned closure for drainage works and a meeting was sought with Somerset County Council.

County Hall’s assistant highways service manager, Mike Fear, who is responsible for co-ordinating the work, explained why the work is necessary, the requirements for diversionary routes and the proposed signage.

Deputy Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Tony Walker, said: “This was a constructive meeting with an honest exchange of information between local businesses and the county council which has led to a better understanding of the challenges facing everyone during this important work.

“As a result of the meeting there will be some changes to the signs that will be advising of access and diversions and local businesses are better placed to make arrangements for the duration of the works.”

The major highway drainage improvement work is due to start on February 22, 2016. Due to the width of road a full road closure will be necessary for the duration of the work to ensure the safety of the workforce and the travelling public. However, pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Whilst the work is in progress the environmental 7.5t weight limit on the high street will be suspended to all ow HGVs access along the “old A303” route.

It is anticipated that the work will take five weeks to complete and will be carried out in two phases. Each phase is expected to take between two and three weeks to complete.

Phase 1. The B3168 Station Road will be closed between Home Farm   Way and the site of the old Horlicks Factory. Access to and from the Westcombe Trading Estate during this period will be available from the Stonemasons roundabout direction at all times.

Phase 2. The B3168 Station Road will be closed between Home Farm   Way and the Hazelwell Lodge. Access to and from the Westcombe Trading Estate during this period will be available from the Southfields roundabout direction at all times.

Whilst the work is in progress the environmental 7.5t weight limit on the high street will be suspended to all ow HGVs access along the “old A303” route.

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