Drivers advised to plan journeys ahead of A303 closure for bridge lift

The A303 will be fully closed between the Hazlegrove and Podimore roundabouts in Somerset this weekend (13-16 May) as a new temporary bridge is lifted into place at Steart Hill.

A 200-tonne crane will be used to lift a new bridge into place as part of work to ensure construction traffic remains off the main road and has minimal impact for road users and residents.

The temporary bridge will be used to transport earth from one side of the site to the other, without disrupting motorists on the A303 itself.

The weather-dependent installation will involve the crane manoeuvring three bridge beams into place and installing the decking throughout Saturday and Sunday.

During the weekend closures, clearly signed diversions will be in place via the A359 and the A37.

Hannah Sanderson, National Highways' Programme Manager, said: “We appreciate the closure will have an effect on journey times, and we appreciate roadworks are frustrating, but we are carrying out this work to drastically minimise disruption throughout the scheme build, and we thank all drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience.

“We will ensure motorists are fully informed of diversions, with suggested routes via signing and the media, and we advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys over the weekend.” 

Artist’s impression of A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling scheme which will help to improve journey times and reliability on the A303 in Somerset

The £135 million scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester will not only promote economic growth in this area of Somerset, it will also tackle a long-standing bottleneck, reduce journey times to the South West and improve traffic flows in that area at peak times and during peak seasons.

National Highways is working with delivery partners Galliford Try to deliver the scheme.

Drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com