Works to reduce flooding on the A39 at Carhampton are ahead of schedule, so road closure arrangements are being changed.

Daytime closures of the A39 at Carhampton Cross between 9.30am and 3.30pm have now finished.

From Tuesday 19 October, on weekdays only, not Saturday and Sunday, the A39 at Carhampton will instead be closed from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

These evening works are expected to be completed by Thursday 28 October.

There will be no access to the B3191 Blue Anchor Bay Road during these works (weekdays, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, from Tuesday 19 October until Thursday 28 October).

The new schedule from Tuesday 19 October will mean daytime bus services between Minehead and Taunton, which had been affected by day-time closures, will now be operating between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Drainage improvements

Somerset County Council’s Highways department is delivering a £350,000 scheme of major drainage improvements at Carhampton, followed by carriageway resurfacing.

The drainage improvements are being funded by Somerset Rivers Authority. Upgrades designed to reduce flooding include bigger pipes, better gullies, and new water control features such as concrete chambers and a catch-pit.

For many years the A39 at Carhampton Cross has regularly flooded so badly it has been dangerous or impossible to drive through. This has caused widespread disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.

Water cascading down from Carhampton Cross has also regularly flooded the B3191 Eastbury Road, and hit people’s homes.

Drainage improvement works started on 11 October.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “We’re really grateful to local people and road users for their patience during these works.

“We know it’s meant a change to some bus services and some disruption, but the team is making excellent progress and we’re pleased to see they’re ahead of schedule on delivering these vital works.”

Key points

Drainage improvements are taking place on the A39, B3191 Eastbury Road, Hill Lane and Orchard Road in Carhampton.

Work started on Monday 11 October on the A39 during a day-time closure from 9.30am to 3.30pm. This phase finished at 3.30pm on Monday 18 October. From Tuesday 19 October the road will be closed from 6.30pm to 11.30pm to carry out resurfacing.

Further drainage works will continue during the day under temporary lights with the road remaining open. Work is expected to be complete by 28 October. There will also be no access to the B3191 Blue Anchor Road between 6.30pm and 11.30pm from 19-28 October, except for emergency vehicles.

Hill Lane drainage works started on 11 October and are set to last five weeks. This remains a 24-hour closure with no access except for residents.

Eastbury Road B3191 drainage work commences once the A39 is complete, under a daytime 8am to 4pm closure for approximately two weeks. The route will be open outside these hours under temporary lights.

Deliveries and access for people and businesses in Carhampton will be accommodated throughout the works by liaison with operational staff on site. Access for cyclists and pedestrians will also be maintained.

During the road closures a diversion route will be clearly signposted on site or can be found at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks

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