MOTORISTS heading towards Taunton’s M5 Junction 25 will be using a new road layout from this weekend, marking a big step forward in a major project to improve the junction.

The £19 million scheme to upgrade J25 and increase capacity is progressing well and is due to be completed in the summer.

The scheme includes an important new link road serving the town and motorway.

From Sunday night (January 17) the new Nexus link road will carry A358 traffic for the first time and motorists coming from this direction will now turn left just after the Gateway Park and Ride and follow the link road to a new roundabout, then onto the main Junction 25 roundabout.

The old section of the A358 between the Park and Ride and Junction 25 roundabout will temporarily be closed from Sunday until the project is complete, at which point it will reopen to eastbound traffic only.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Redirecting A358 westbound traffic onto the new Nexus link road is an important part of the project.

“It means we can complete the remaining work while keeping the network moving with minimal disruption.

"It’s a really positive step forward and I’d urge everyone to take a look at the information before you head out on your journey just to familiarise yourself with this change.”

Overall, J25 improvements include an enlargement of the roundabout, full signalisation and a widened eastern exit, a new roundabout to access the proposed Nexus 25 site, and safer pedestrian and cycling facilities.