Months-long closure expected for road repairs in Somerset

An embankment is due to be repaired after a tree fell into the road two years ago.

The tree came down at Roundwaters, between Exford and Wheddon Cross, leading the embankment on the B3224 to collapse.

The key Exmoor route is due to be closed from 2 January to 10 May next year for the works, project leaders said.

Mike Rigby, from Somerset Council, said it was a “critically important piece of work”.

He said: “We know this will run over the Easter break but, on balance, this was preferable to commencing before the Christmas period and potentially having an impact then."

Eric Norman, who runs the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross, said the road was "a main artery" into the area and it would "have a serious effect on my business with visitors and tourism".

Judy Skinner, who owns a business in Exford, said the repairs should be done within a shorter time-frame.

She said: "The chap in the van that delivers to us has to go all the way around the detour, which will make an enormous difference in fuel costs.

"Can't they do it quicker? Why is it going to take that amount of time?"

There has been a lane closure since the incident happened and temporary traffic lights have been in place.

However, a full closure was needed as the repairs required extra machinery which would need extra space, project bosses said.

It was also not possible for the road to be opened up outside of working hours because it was in close proximity of a Special Area of Conservation for bats, they added.

In October, preparatory measures were taken to remove vegetation to aid the repair process.

Broadband network operator Openreach is to be granted access to the site in the first week to carry out cable work which will avoid the need for later repairs.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]