A MAJOR scheme to build a new roundabout on the A358 at Bishops Lydeard finally starts tomorrow (Monday, September 26).

The roundabout will be delivered by developer Taylor Wimpey as part of a legal agreement linked to the construction of new homes in the village.

The junction is a hotbed for crashes, and nearby residents have been calling for work to finally begin.

The roundabout was promised back in 2011 as part of an agreement for a new housing estate.

Taylor Wimpey and its principal contractor SWH Civils have been working closely with Somerset County Council to finalise the details of the scheme.

As work progresses, Station Road (village side) will be closed, a 30mph speed limit will be in place and three-way temporary traffic lights will be required.

It is also likely that a temporary road closure of the A358 will be needed at a later date for some of the work.

The three parties will liaise with the local community to keep disruption to a minimum.

Bradley Davison, commercial director for Taylor Wimpey, said: “We are very pleased that a start date for the new roundabout on the A358 has now been agreed, and we look forward to our appointed contractor shortly commencing these works.

“The specialist contractor will ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to keep traffic disruption to a minimum during the works and the local community will be kept updated on progress.”

An SWH Civils spokesperson said: “With pre-commencement works progressing well, we are looking forward to starting work on site at the end of this month.”

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways said: “A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes and I’m pleased the start date has now been confirmed.

“Building a new roundabout is a significant piece of work and there is likely to be some disruption over the next few months, but please be assured we’ll be working with the developer and the contractor to keep this to a minimum.”

Cllr Roger Habgood, executive councillor for planning and transportation at Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “This project has been eagerly awaited and I am sure this news will be welcomed by local residents and motorists who use the road every day.

"The end result will be a safer system for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians at this busy junction.”

Permission for a development on Station Road was granted by Taunton Deane Borough Council in 2011 and included a Section 106 Legal Agreement with the developer.

In 2014, the County Council entered into a separate legal agreement (Section 278) with the developer to enable the highway works to go ahead.

The design works have had to evolve since discussions first began and the new roundabout plans now include the reconstruction of the underpass to make it safer for people to cross the busy road.