A VITAL road between Langport and Bridgwater has re-opened after three months for major flood protection works.

Four culverts were installed under the A372 at Beer Wall so that water can pass under the road at times of severe flooding.

Somerset County Council say the work also paves the way for Environment Agency works to increase the capacity of the Sowy.

During the winter floods of 2013/14, the road was shut for several weeks due to flooding at the Beer Wall stretch and then to accommodate emergency pumping.

The council-led scheme has been carried out by contractor Skanska as part of the multi-agency 20 Year Flood Action Plan works, now overseen by the Somerset Rivers Authority.

Cllr John Osman, leader of Somerset County Council and Chair of the Somerset Rivers Authority, said: “I’m thrilled to see our part of this big and complicated project complete. It’s been a remarkable piece of engineering and demonstrates what can be achieved when partners work hand-in-hand.

“Anyone who witnessed those winter floods will know just how important schemes like this are. As well as the human cost, the financial cost has been estimated at up to £147m.

“No-one can stop future flooding, but projects like this and the Flood Action Plan work being overseen and developed by the SRA will reduce its likelihood and impact. I know the road closure has been a disruption for local residents and businesses and I’m delighted that the route is open again just in time for the summer holidays.”

The three-stage Beer Wall scheme is designed to reduce flood risk in the Sowy and Kings Sedgemoor Drain river systems.

Parts of the Langacre Rhyne and part of the River Sowy will be diverted through the new culverts to increase the capacity of the system as part of the final phase of work.

Funding for the first two phases of the Beer Wall works came from the Department for Transport as part of its contribution to the 20 Year Action Plan.

Transport minister Andrew Jones said: “The £22 million the government provided to Somerset County Council has helped re-establish a key road link and reduce the risk of future flooding.

“I know local residents, businesses and road users have been awaiting the re-opening of this road for some time and I would like to pay tribute to them as well as Somerset County Council and their contractors who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone.”

Mark Shopland, contracts manager at Skanska added: “We are delighted that another key part of this significant scheme is complete.

"Our close working relationship with the council played a key role in overcoming any challenges we faced and ensured its successful delivery.”