Improved Transport Links

    Somerset could benefit from safer roads, more trains, and improved links to local employment under a range of major transport schemes proposed by the Peninsula Transport group.

    The Peninsular Transport Group is a body that brings together councillors from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to identify priorities to drive forward investment and economic growth. The body has published its strategic implementation plan outlining major transport schemes to improve journey times across the West Country and bring new jobs to the area. In our area, the plan identifies the following projects;

    - Providing additional services on the Heart of Wessex rail line between Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth, delivered by constructing a passing loop between Yeovil Pen Mill and Castle Cary.

    - Doubling the track further west between Yeovil Junction and Crewkerne railway stations, allowing more than one train per hour to travel in each direction.

    - Improving the A358 near Taunton to improve safety and increase capacity following the cancellation of National Highways' planned dualling scheme to Ilminster.

    - Implementing safety improvements on the A361 between Glastonbury and Frome, and on the A37 between Lydford-on-Fosse and Ston Easton.

    - Introducing improvements to the A303 between Ilminster and the A30, providing safer journeys through the Blackdown Hills.

    Delivering a new railway station for Langport and Somerton to increase passenger numbers on the Taunton to Castle Cary rail line. 

    - Dualling the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster, as well as delivering improvements to the Hayes End and Southfields roundabouts.

    - Introducing new safety features at the Eagle Tavern junction on the A303.

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