Author: Lesley Webb

Grabbist Hill Benefice Newsletter 29.11.24

I am writing to let you know that we will soon be starting timber harvesting work at Croydon Hill South. Starting from Monkham Hill and working towards Druids combe. We expect to start working in November 2024 and for work to last at least 6 months. Work will be a combination of thinning and clear-felling.

Public rights of Way will remain open but we urge public to follow all signs relating to the work in order to keep safe.

There is more information about this work on our website at : https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/why-do-we-fell-trees.

We understand that residents may not be familiar with sustainable forest management and are keen to explain how this planned work supports the long-term health and resilience of the forest.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or refer queries from local residents to westengland@forestryengland.uk.

Kind regards,

Tara Maxamed

In February, a winter storm damaged Bonniton Lane near Dunster, washing away part of the embankment. This led to a temporary TRO limiting vehicle weight while repairs were considered. After this weekend’s storms, another section collapsed, taking the carriageway with it. As a result, the lane is now unsuitable for any vehicles, and a road closure has been implemented. Kier has provided the road closure, and our Structures Dept have been informed that more substantial hard closures are necessary to prevent vehicle breaches.

Sorry, this is not positive news and the further disruption this will cause.

Kali Martin
Assistant Highway Service Manager

West Area – Formerly Somerset West and Taunton
Somerset Council  0300 123 2224

A303 / Pill Bridge Lane – Bridge survey works

We’re carrying out a range of surveys to the bridge on Pill Bridge Lane. The bridge spans the A303 near Ilchester and the A37. The surveys will help us to gather data to plan for future maintenance.

When are the works happening?

Works will be undertaken in phases, mostly overnight, from Monday 02 December until Tuesday 21 January 2025.

Please note, there will be no traffic management in place nor works undertaken over the Christmas period, from 20 December 2024 until 02 January 2025.

 Access over the bridge at Pill Bridge Lane

 The bridge will be closed from 6am on Monday 02 December until 6pm on Friday 06 December, inclusive. Works will take place during the daytime only, Monday to Friday.

A303 lane closures and slip road closures

There will be a number of nighttime lane closures on the A303, to enable access to the underside of the bridge at Pill Bridge Lane. The exit and entry slip roads from the A303 to the A37 will also need be closed overnight at various points to facilitate works.

The following works will take place overnight Monday to Friday (8pm – 6am), when there is less traffic on the road:

• From 02 December until 04 December – Lane one of the A303 eastbound closed. Entry slip road closed  
• From 03 December until 05 December – Lane one of the A303 westbound closed. Exit slip road closed
• From 06 December until 12 December – Lane one of the A303 eastbound closed. Entry slip road closed
• From 18 December until 19 December – Lane two of the A303 closed both eastbound and westbound
• From 02 January until 07 January – Lane two of the A303 closed both eastbound and westbound
• From 08 January until 17 January – Lane one of the A303 westbound closed. Exit slip road closed
• On 20 January for one night – Lane one of the A303 westbound closed. Exit slip road closed
• On 21 January for one night – Lane one of the A303 eastbound closed. Entry slip road closed.  

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

Diversion routes

Well signed diversions will be in place via Cartgate Roundabout when the entry and exit slip roads are closed.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.

Please also remember that closures can change at short notice. You can find live travel information on our Traffic England website: https://www.trafficengland.com/.

Or, our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/travel-alerts/