THE results of investigative work to discover what has caused structural damage to New Road could be ready this week, Somerset County Council says.

The B3168 has been closed since February when extreme wet weather caused the road to move and there were concerns for the safety of drivers.

Following recent on-site investigations by geotechnical experts, a number of samples were taken away to be further analysed.

The results of this work should be completed this week, which will enable a final ground investigation report to be compiled.

The council will use this report to consider its options for carrying out work to make the road safe to re-open.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, the council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “Once we have received this report we will be in a much better position to confirm the actual works required and give a realistic timescale as to when work can begin.”

Following last week’s front page in the News, the council added: “We appreciate the sensitivity of this road closure and the impact that it is having locally but we have always stated that it is our intention to reopen the road before the Christmas period. There has recently been speculation that the road will be closed for two more years.

“This is pure speculation and I would like to reiterate that we will do everything we can to re-open the road as quickly as possible.”

News chief reporter Dan Milligan added: “It’s good to see Cllr Siggs restating the intention to reopen the road before Christmas, because it wasn’t expressed last week.”