SOMERSET Council has had to reclose a major A-road that links Taunton to the Somerset levels today (Friday, February 20), after it just reopened, due to further flooding.
The council was able to reopen the road yesterday after a three-week closure, as it was safe to do, but due to the continued wet weather and saturated ground, it will have to act quickly to close it if there is further flooding covering the surface.
Due to further rain this week, the ongoing saturation of the groundwater levels have risen overnight in the spillway next to the road, causing new flooding.
The council has said that, due to the persistent wet weather, this will continue to be a feature over the coming weeks.
Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste services, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We recognise the importance of the road to communities and road users, which is why on balance we will always try to keep it open even if there is a chance it will have to close again in a short amount of time.
“During a wet winter like this, we do expect to have to close the road from time to time to keep people safe, which is why we have an emergency road closure gate at this location.
“We ask people to please respect the closure when it is in place, for your own safety."
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He added: “Water levels will continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks until we have a sustained period of dry weather, and we have to balance public safety with the need to open the road when safe and possible.
“We hope to reopen the A361 as soon as we possibly can.”
Residents are advised to check their sat nav when travelling or for updates on the Travel Somerset Facebook page , the Roadworks and travel information page and plan carefully before setting out.
Residents can also find out the status of roads that have emergency road closure gates through the council resources.
A spokesperson for the council said: "Do not drive through flood water or ignore road closed signs.
"More information about safety during floods on the road can be found on Somerset Road Safety’s adverse weather conditions page."
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