Starting 20th July 2026 – Staplegrove Rd.
Scheme Overview – from Bloor Homes.
Key utility upgrade and replacement schemes are planned by National Grid and Wales & West Utilities to support and replace the existing networks along Staplegrove Road/Minehead Road/ A358.
These works will replace ageing Gas Services and upgrade the Electric network to support the community, planned works and Nuffield Hospital reinforcement.
Highway Works currently being undertaken to facilitate the Bloor Homes development are continuing in this area until Summer 2027, these works include changes to the existing BT Openreach network.
Collaboration between Wales & West Utilities, National Grid, Openreach and CJL Construction has been agreed in partnership with Somerset Council to ensure planned upgrade works don’t extend the traffic disruption beyond the completion of the new development junction.
When is the scheme taking place?
Commencement of Utility upgrades are due from 20th July 2026, these intrusive works are scheduled to last for 12 weeks.
Works to existing utilities are complex and are regularly complicated by unknown conditions underground. Investigation and planning works have been undertaken to avoid this scenario however there is a risk of potential complications.
How will roads be affected?
To facilitate these works excavations in the active highway are required from Silk Mills Roundabout to the Manor Road (Staplegrove)Junction.
A one way single lane closure will be in operation for the 12 week programme to facilitate these works.
Traffic will be allowed to access into Taunton via the A358 from the Minehead direction, Traffic leaving Taunton towards the west will be directed via Wellington Road (A38) and Silk Mills Road (A3065). Parking restrictions will also be in place along Bindon Road and Staplegrove Road.
How will public transport be affected?
Services will still be in operation, diversion routes may impact times and Bus Stop availability. For more information please contract your service operator.
Why is a lane closure needed and can roads be reopened at the end of each day?
Lane closures are avoided where possible and are used to ensure the safety of the public and working teams. Lane closures now will avoid the need for these works to take place following the completion of the current highway works on the A358.
By collaborating with a lane closure long term disruption is reduced while allowing upgrade and development works to happen simultaneously.
Reopening lanes and working areas at the end of the working day is not possible due to the nature of the works and risks associated with open excavations.
Why can’t the work be carried out at night?
Due to the proximity of housing to the working areas operations cannot take place at night as the noise from operations would cause significant disruption.
Working hours will be from 7.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday.
There may be the occasional need to work outside of these times for surfacing or emergency works where required.
Where can I find more information?
Further information on these works and the Staplegrove development works can be found at:
https://staplegrove-highwayworks.co.uk
For any questions regarding the scheme please contact:
Bloor Homes Development Team – Contact the team via email at highways.southwest@bloorhomes.com
National Grid – Contact the customer service team on 0800 096 3080 or via https://customer.nationalgrid.co.uk/contact-us
Wales and west utilities – Contact the customer service team on 0800 912 2999 or on X, @WWUtilities or Wales & West Utilities Facebook Page.
If you have questions/complaints please don’t leave them in the comments below as the various companies responsible for the works will not see them, their contact details are listed above.
Please see maps etc below.
Please remember that I’m only sharing this information to give everyone plenty of notice about any potential disruption or issues they may face during the works. As the saying goes, “Don’t shoot the messenger!” 
Take care,
John
