Vital to the A303/A358 corridor, this design and build scheme is part of a long-term aim to create a high-quality dual carriageway link between London and the south west.

Congestion along the A358 in Somerset will be alleviated with the 9-mile dualling scheme

While much of the corridor is a dual carriageway, there are still over 35 miles of single carriageway.

Preparatory works have been taking place with Taylor Woodrow, in its partnership with Arup and Ramboll, undertaking ground investigation and environmental surveys in the area to inform their design proposals for the 9-mile stretch.

This is all in preparation for a statutory consultation on the proposals ahead of the submission of the scheme’s Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Andrew Alcorn, Highways England Programme Leader for the A358, said: “We are delighted to be working with Taylor Woodrow Plus to move forward this vital scheme.”

Julian Gatward, Managing Director of Taylor Woodrow, said: “Taylor Woodrow Plus brings together the expertise of Taylor Woodrow, Arup and Ramboll in delivering solutions from conception through to construction.”

Supported by Taylor Woodrow’s Vinci sister companies, we are committed to contributing to the local community whilst supporting economic growth in the area.”

For Highways England, the news follows last year’s Development Consent Order approval of the A303 Stonehenge upgrade and January’s approval of the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme along the same travel corridor.