WEST Somerset motorists face major disruption in the next fortnight as the main road between Williton and Taunton will be closed.

The section of road in question is the main A358 near Sampford Brett on the Taunton side of the railway bridge and will be closed for two weeks from Monday (March 18).

This stretch of road was damaged during a prolonged period of wet and cold weather back in March 2018.

At the time temporary lights were put in place so that emergency repair work could be undertaken and also so investigations into the cause of the problem could take place.

The investigation found substantial damage to the drainage system running under the road, leading to this road closure so that extensive repairs can take place.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “The proposed works include full upgrade of the drainage system with larger pipes being installed to increase capacity and new grates to stop debris entering the system.

“The road will also be strengthened and fully resurfaced to provide lasting benefits and reduce the need for future works.

“All possible options for carrying out this work have been assessed but unfortunately the work cannot take place without a full road closure.

“We recognise this will inevitably have a big impact on the community and will do our best to manage and mitigate any issues.”

Because the road is narrow with no verges, and the work requires the need for deep excavations, the county council say it would not be possible to do the work using traffic lights, and closing both sides of the road simultaneously reduces the overall duration of the works.

“There is never a perfect time to carry out major works like this, but we have tried to avoid key dates, local events and the busy West Somerset tourism season,” the SCC spokesman said.

“Somerset County Council must advertise a diversion route using the same class of road as that which is being closed.

“As with any road closure, drivers can use their own local knowledge and judgement to find their own alternatives.”