THE A378 Langport Road reopened on Tuesday evening - more than a week ahead of schedule.

Work on the Mile Hill section of carriageway between Wrantage and Fivehead had been closed since Monday, July 31, for essential flood prevention works.

The road was scheduled to re-open on September 1, but because work progressed faster than predicted, it was able to take traffic again earlier than expected.

The route has been susceptible to flooding in recent years with water on the road during periods of bad weather.

Around 300 metres of new pipe has been laid under the surface and new drains and gullies built to help the water drain away faster. That will also allow resurfacing to take place at a later date.

The works were timed for the school holidays to minimise disruption as the roads are generally quieter at this time.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “We are always trying to minimise disruption on the network so it’s great when we are able to finish ahead of schedule – in this case more than a week early.

"My thanks go to the team who have turned this round so quickly and to motorists for their patience.

"Road closures cause disruption and are always a last resort, but these are important improvements and a closure was needed to keep workers and the public safe."