ROAD restrictions on the main road into Minehead will be lifted ahead of one of the highlights of the West Somerset Christmas calendar.

The A39 will be fully reopened in time for traffic travelling to next weekend's Dunster by Candelight to run smoothly.

Work started on the A39 travel corridor in the district at the end of September.

The £1million project involves improving and widening the existing cycleway and footway running between Dunster and Minehead to ensure walkers and cyclists can use the roadside safely.

It includes connecting to new cycling and walking infrastructure linking the Marsh Lane development at Dunster Marsh with the A39 pathway, which will link in turn with West Somerset College, creating a safe route to school.

A temporary 40mph limit and traffic lights have been installed to ensure the safety of the workforce and public.

But Travel Somerset says all restrictions will be removed by 3pm on Friday ahead of Dunster by Candelight, which takes place the same evening from 5pm to 9pm and the following day (Saturday, December 4) from 4pm to 9pm.

A spokesperson said: "We've listened to concerns and can confirm all restrictions will be lifted from the road by 3pm on December 2 for Dunster by candlelight.

"And from 28/11 work will focus on Bircham Rd after the Minehead roundabout.

"This will enable better access for Christmas shoppers heading to Minehead from the Carhampton direction."