Green light for £18m upgrade to M5 junction 25
29th March 2018
Somerset County Council has granted planning permission for the upgrade of Junction 25, which is the main access point to Taunton and provides a critical link to the second strategic route into the South West via the A358 and A303.
£12.9m is allocated funding from the HotSW Growth Deal Fund. The total scheme is expected to cost around £18m with funding from Taunton Deane Borough Council, Highways England and developer contributions.
The scheme involves full signalisation and enlarging of the roundabout, widening of the eastern exit, a new roundabout to access the proposed Nexus 25 employment site, and improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.
The upgrade will improve journey times, reduce congestion, improve Park & Ride journey time reliability and create a more attractive access to Taunton, Yeovil and the A303 from the M5. The scheme will also unlock access into the proposed Nexus 25 employment site and support other planned growth across Taunton. Construction is likely to take up to two years with work expected to start during winter 2018/19.