Motorists travelling over Somerset Levels will face delays this summer

Motorists travelling over the Somerset Levels this summer will face delays as two key roads through Langport are resurfaced.

Somerset Council will be resurfacing sections of the A378 North Street in Langport and the A372 Somerton Road in Huish Episcopi from late-July. Preparatory works on both sections will be undertaken under temporary traffic lights to reduce the disruption for drivers.

But the actual resurfacing will necessitate evening road closures, with lengthy diversions being in force. The North Street resurfacing will begin at the junction with The Hill (near the ArtTeaZen coffee shop), move past Huish Episcopi Primary School and the town’s Tesco store and end at the junction with the A372 to Bridgwater.

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Preparatory work will begin on Monday, July 17 and will last for five days, during which time two-way traffic signals will be in place. The road will then be closed for resurfacing between 6:30pm and 11:30pm for six evenings starting from Monday, July 24.

Traffic travelling through Langport eastbound during these evenings will be diverted back along the A378 through Curry Rivel, join the A358 into Taunton, travel on the A38 around Monkton Heathfield, pick up the A361 through Burrowbridge and rejoin the A372 through Othery and Aller. Those wishing to reach Taunton from the west will follow the same diversion in reverse – adding up to 27 miles to people’s journeys.

The Somerton Road section of the resurfacing will run from the Bridgwater junction to the roundabout where the road meets the B3153 and Wearne Lane, near the Parrett Gardens housing estate. Preparatory work will run from Monday, July 24 for six days (under two-way traffic signals), with resurfacing taking places over 11 days from Tuesday, August 1 (with evening closures being in place).

While the roundabout at the north of the A372 is being resurfaced, signals will be in place. Wales and West Utilities is also conducting repair work on the A372 alongside these roadworks between July 10 and August 25, and they will control traffic using three-way signals.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: “Resurfacing roads that need it is a critical part of our summer programme; residents will be aware both roads are in need of urgent repair. While there is some short-term disruption, these works in both Langport and Huish Episcopi will make journeys in the area safer for years to come.

“The team will do everything they can to carry out the work safely and successfully during the evenings to minimise disruption.

“We are working in partnership with Wales and West Utilities to ensure that all key works are carried out at the same time.”

For more information on each of these roadworks, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.

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