WORK on a bridge over Silk Mills level crossing west of Taunton will start in just over one month's time -- and an artist's impression of how it will look has been unveiled.

The bridge -- part of a £14.5million raft of traffic measures, including a nearby park and ride site -- will span the railway line and end traffic tailbacks and reduce congestion in Taunton.

Highways chiefs say work should start at the end October after a planning inspector gave the go-ahead to the project, with the work lasting 14 months.

The watercolour of how the completed bridge could look was painted by the Somerset County Council highways engineer Rosie Darch in her spare time.

The road will remain open for most of the construction period, though some weekend road closures will be necessary to lift the bridge into place and enable the demolition of the existing buildings to the north of the railway.

Highways experts predict the bridge and park and ride scheme will reduce congestion across Taunton by about 30 per cent at peak times.

Taunton Deane council leader Cllr John Williams said: "This is a significant step forward in our plans to improve traffic flow, create a better environment for those living, working and visiting Taunton and it removes what has been a major disincentive to businesses in Taunton."