The £8.5 million pound project to Taunton’s Toneway Creech Castle junction entering the next phase as work gets underway on major bridge-widening works and a massive surface water drainage system .

The project, which started in August and is due for competion next summer, includes additional lanes on the approach to the junction, as well as new crossings for those on foot and bike.

A key feature of the project also involves widening of the Bathpool Bridge on the A38 Bridgwater Road, which is currently closed while construction is underway. This is to increase the capacity at the junction and widen cycling and pedestrian facilities .

A 14.5 tonne piling rig is being used to set 40 piles up to 13m deep into the ground to create the basis for the foundations of the widened bridge structure.

At the same time, work is underway to construct a 300,000 litre attenuation tank under the eastbound side of the Toneway to ensure the expanded junction is adequately drained.

“We have been really successful in accessing funding to make these kinds of project possible and it’s satisfying to see Toneway progressing so well,” said Cllr John Woodman, county council cabinet member for highways and transport.

“We’re also really grateful to residents and road users for their continued patience and support while work is ongoing – it will all be worthwhile once work is completed.

“We’re also really grateful to residents and road users for their continued patience and support while work is ongoing – it will all be worthwhile once work is completed.

“Following on from our award-winning improvement work at Junction 25 this is another crucial piece of investment to ensure our network has the capacity to cope with future economic and residential growth and caters for all road users, incorporating better access for pedestrians and cyclists.”