STATION Road in Ilminster is set to open tomorrow after engineers completed the work early.

As reported in the news, the road was closed for five weeks from February 22 to allow for essential roadworks to be completed.

The road closure, which was conducted in two phases, was controversial with he county council organising 22-mile diversion for drivers.

Several motorists were also summonsed to court after ignoring the road closure and driving through regardless.

However, motorists can now breathe a sigh of relief as the county council has confirmed that the engineers have completed the work a week early, meaning he road closure is soon to be lifted.

But, temporary traffic lights will be installed at another location on the road, after it was found that a property near the Shrubbery Hotel was being flooded by a broken highway drain.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “The major drainage improvement works on Station Road, between the A303 and Canal Way, are anticipated to be finished tomorrow (Friday 18/3), with the road closure lifted a week early.

“Unfortunately, an unrelated problem has been brought to our attention where a property near the Shrubbery Hotel is being flooded by a broken highway drain.

“Work at this location was not planned, however, as a result of the early finish at Station Road, we have taken this opportunity to mobilise the same gang, who have worked so capably over the last four weeks, to do this emergency work to assist the concerned resident.

“This additional work will not require a road closure and Station Road will remain open with temporary traffic signals in place. These will be removed for the Easter period, enabling unrestricted access to Ilminster.

“Many thanks for your patience.”