ESSENTIAL resurfacing on a key road in West Somerset is due to take place early next month.

The A39 at Dragon Cross near Bilbrook has historically been affected by flooding with a number of drainage schemes taking place at this location in recent years to improve the situation.

The next step is to improve the road’s surface, and the location was included as part of Somerset County Council’s surface dressing programme earlier this summer.

However, one section of the road was in a poorer state and is therefore unsuitable for surface dressing. This section will now be fully resurfaced before the onset of winter.

To minimise disruption, the road will only be closed during off-peak hours – from Monday to Friday between 6.30pm and 11.30pm. Work will begin on Monday October 7 with the final shift programmed for Wednesday October 16.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council Cabinet, member for highways, said: “We know from experience how tricky it is to carry out improvements in this area due to the rural location and shortage of alternative routes.

“But it’s an important scheme and we’re keen to have the new surface in place before the winter.

“We’ve chosen the quietest time of year, we’ve tried to avoid key events and we will be keeping the road open in the day to minimise any disruption. Please plan ahead and rest assured we’ll be working hard to complete this work as quickly as possible.”