ESSENTIAL work is set to be carried out on a key Exmoor route in the new year.

Somerset Council’s Structures Team will be tackling repairs on the B3224 to stabilise a collapsed embankment, a damage initially caused by a falling tree during a period of bad weather over two years ago at Roundwaters between Exford and Wheddon Cross.

The damage led to a lane closure and temporary traffic lights.

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In October, advanced preparatory works were carried out, which included some the removal of vegetation to pave the way for the scheme to commence in the new year.

For safety reasons, a full road closure will be implemented from Tuesday, January 2 to Friday, May 10, with the road set to be closed at all times during this period.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s 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."

The council acknowledged the difficulty of the closure running over the Easter break, but added that this was preferable to starting the work before the Christmas period.

It also thanked residents in advance for their patience whilst the long-term work is ongoing, and added that the repairs "will be of immense long-term benefit", with the resulting delays of the temporary lights no longer a necessity upon completion.

The embankment stabilisation will require a piling plant and the installation of new drainage, followed by the resurfacing of the carriageway.

Openreach will also have access to the site in the first week for overhead cable realignment works.

Access for residents and businesses in the immediate area will be maintained throughout the road closure, with a diversion plan set to be shared closer to the time.

Somerset Council, scheme designers WSP and scheme contractor Walters Group, hosted a public meeting on Wednesday, November 29 at 7.30pm at the Moorland Hall, in which the scheme was discussed and a question-and-answer session was conducted.

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