ESSENTIAL work to stabilise a collapsed embankment on Exmoor will be carried out over four months.

The damage on the B3224 at Roundwaters between Exford and Wheddon Cross was caused by a falling tree two years ago.

A lane closure and temporary traffic lights have been in place ever since.

Advanced preparatory works were carried out, including vegetation removal, were carried out in October to enable the scheme to start in the new year.

A full road closure is needed throughout the work from Tuesday, January 2, until Friday, May 10.

Openreach is being granted access to the site in the first week for overhead cable realignment works, which avoids the need for a further closure before the main works commence.

The full closure is needed for the safety of the workforce and public.

The scheme requires a piling plant which will take up a significant width of the road.

Once the embankment is stabilised, new drainage will be installed and the carriageway resurfaced.

It is not possible to open the road outside working hours.

The team cannot undertake night working as the site is close to a Special Area of Conservation with protected bat populations.

Somerset Council, scheme designers WSP and contractor Walters Group are holding a public meeting with details of the scheme at Moorland Hall, Cutcombe, on Wednesday, November 29, at 7.30pm.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council executive lead member for transport and digital, said: “The embankment repair at Roundwaters is a critically important piece of work.

"Those who live locally or use the route regularly will be familiar with the situation.

"We’re really pleased to have appointed a contractor and to be able to get this done.

“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.

“We thank everyone in the area in advance for their patience as the work needs more than a short-term road closure – but in turn the scheme will be of immense long-term benefit to everyone once it is completed as it will restore the embankment structure and mean temporary lights and the resulting delay to drivers are finally removed.”

Access for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be maintained throughout and a diversion will be in place, with full details available nearer the time on www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel/