DRIVERS are being advised to plan ahead while essential road improvements take place in and around Crewkerne over the coming weeks.

A section of the A30 Chard Road has been showing signs of deterioration and is being be fully resurfaced next week, with workers moving in on Monday.

That will be followed by three weeks of prep works and resurfacing on the A30 East Street and Yeovil Road.

Works to replace broken kerbs and repair drainage channels and pipes will start on Monday, August 6, with the resurfacing phase running from Monday to Friday, August 20 to 24.

All the works will require a road closure during working hours - 7am to 6pm, excluding weekends - to keep both road users and the workforce safe, although access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "This is important maintenance work and represents a significant investment in a key route across South Somerset.

"Any road closure will put pressure on other routes so please plan ahead and allow extra travel time while work is underway.

"We’ll be working hard to complete these essential repairs as quickly as possible."

While the roads are closed, a suggested diversion route suitable for all vehicles will be clearly signposted on site, or can be found here.

As with any road closure, drivers are free to find their own alternatives.