A BUSY road near Taunton will close for 15 days at the end of this month.

Drivers are urged to plan journeys carefully when a 1.7-mile stretch of the A361 between Walford Cross and the Sedgemoor border is closed for resurfacing.

Due to the narrow width of the deteriorating carriageway, the council says it will be necessary to close the road during working hours to keep both road users and the workforce safe.

Works start on Monday, February 19, and the road will be closed for 15 days between 7.30am to 6.30pm.

Other work at the Walford Cross junction area will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to local businesses. This is set to start on Wednesday, February 28, and will take three nights, with the road closed from 6pm to 7am.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This is essential work to improve a very important road. However, it will cause some short-term disruption so please be aware of the closure dates and times and plan your journey carefully.”

A suggested diversion route suitable for all vehicles can be found on the council's website or will be clearly signposted on site. As with any road closure, drivers are free to find their own alternatives.