MOTORISTS travelling between Taunton and Wellington are being warned to expect months of disruption at times into early next year.

Work has started on a new roundabout on the A38 at Higher Comeytrowe, between Rumwell and Galmington.

It will join the new arterial spine road that will run through the 2,000-home Orchard Grove development.

The junction will create a route into and out of the new community, which will also feature a school, local centre and other amenities.

The new roads will be completed before the first residents move in.

A spokesperson for the consortium behind the scheme - consisting of Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and LiveWest - said: "As a result of careful and extensive planning, there will be minimal diversions and no planned day time road closures during the project.

"The works will take place at night between 7pm and 7am, with temporary traffic lights operating overnight during part of the project.

"As the work nears completion, some work will take place under planned night-time closures."

The project is being completed in three stages.

Phase one: all traffic will as normal on the existing A38, but alterations will be made to road line markings on the carriageway. Work to build the new roundabout will begin and will be visible from the road. Expected completion: September.

Phase two: westbound traffic will be diverted around one side of the new roundabout. Eastbound traffic will continue as normal. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation for a short period of time overnight, between 7pm and 7am. Expected timing: September-October.

Phase three: Eastbound traffic will be diverted around the new roundabout. Temporary pedestrian crossing points will be in place. As the new junction nears completion, the final surfacing works will be completed at night during planned road closures. Expected timings: November-December.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of February next year.