MOTORISTS are facing longer closures on a stretch of the A30 because tarmac is ‘too hot for traffic’.

A section of the A30 Chard Road in Crewkerne is being resurfaced this week and was only expected to be closed between 7am and 6pm.

But the warm temperatures mean the tarmac is staying hot for longer and is struggling to set.

Travel Somerset (Somerset County Council) has posted on Twitter to keep people informed.

The tweet says: “Due to the hot conditions, the road will remain closed tonight and until further notice to allow newly laid tarmac time to go off. Apologies for any inconvenience.”

The delays comes as motorists were warned to plan ahead while essential road improvements take place in and around the town over the coming weeks.

A section of the A30 Chard Road has been showing signs of deterioration and is being be fully resurfaced this week after workers moved in on Monday, July 23.

That work will be followed by three weeks of preparation 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 via this story online at chardandilminsternews.co.uk

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