A 'GUINEA pig' road repair method is being carried out in Minehead next week.

Somerset Council’s highways teams are trialling a new way of surface treatment along the seafront.

The project on a section of Warren Road and on Seaward Way is deemed to be more environmentally friendly and should be longer lasting.

The work is due to start on Tuesday (September 12) and is scheduled to last for three nights.

A road closure will be in force between 8pm and 6am each night so that the work can be completed safely and efficiently.

During the road closure, the works will be phased to maintain access to businesses and properties by these works.

On site guidance will be given and emergency services will be granted access throughout the works.

The parking and loading along these sections will be suspended during the closure times.

Somerset Council is requesting that all vehicles are removed before 8pm on each of the three days.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the closure and guidance will be given to ensure no one crosses on any newly laid surface.

The roads will be open as normal outside of the closure times.

The product being trialled is called RHiNOPHALT, a natural spray that seals cracks and therefore reduces penetration of water, salt and other contaminants while improving the road’s resistance to wear.

It will deliver a 94 per cent saving on carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to conventional surface dressing.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s executive lead member for transport and digital, said: “It’s really important that we trial new and innovative methods of repair and maintenance of our highway network.

"We constantly seek new methods that can save money, cut carbon emissions and improve road surface quality and this trial is part of that drive.

“It is important that this work is carried out now so that the road surface can be safer for road users during the upcoming autumn and winter.

"There will be some short-term disruption, but the team will be working overnight to minimise this. Please plan ahead.”

A diversion will be in place, with full details available nearer the time on www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel/