ROAD users near Chard could face delays as a result of a more than 48-hour closure over the weekend.

The A303 between the Southfields roundabout (the junction with the A358) and Devonshire House (the junction with the A30) will be closed from 12midnight tomorrow (Friday, February 28) until 1am on Monday (March 3).

The Highways Agency will be carrying out ‘essential’ drainage work on the stretch of the busy road.

Highways Agency project manager Rachel Scott said: “This work is essential in order to improve drainage on this section of the A303 and will significantly enhance safety for road users. We do advise drivers affected by the closure to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys.

“The work requires a full closure of the A303 in order to excavate in the middle of the road. It will include replacing a number of pipes and reinstating sections of embankment and pavement which have been eroded by repeated incidents of flooding from adjacent fields.

“At this time of year traffic flows are at their lowest over the weekend, so a weekend closure minimises the impact on road users.”

During the closure clearly signed diversions will be in place. Westbound traffic will be diverted onto the A358 via Chard and then onto the A30, while eastbound traffic will be diverted onto the A30 via Chard and then onto the A358.