COMMUTERS into and out of Yeovil could face lengthy traffic delays as the council conducts emergency roadworks.

A major scheme to repair and rebuild the A3088 Cartgate Link Roadl is being planned to take place this summer.

The county council said the road is showing “significant” signs of deterioration and the structural failure, with several cracks along the carriageway.

Investigatory work on the work will begin on Tuesday, May 3, with engineers managing traffic using stop and go boards, meaning there could be lengthy delays along the busy commuter route.

The team will then return on Monday, May 9 to dig trial holes to analyse the current condition beneath the carriageway. This work will take place over five nights with temporary traffic lights in place.

Once the investigations are complete, the resurfacing work can be planned. It is expected that this will require a full closure of the A3088, and the scheme is currently planned to take place during the school holidays, with a provisional start date of Monday 25 July.

The work will take around four weeks but will be carried out overnight to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “It’s always challenging to carry out major repairs on main strategic roads, but it is far less disruptive and more cost effective in the long-term to do this work properly rather than continually revisiting a site for temporary repairs.

“This work will greatly improve the condition of this vital link and provide a much smoother, safer journey for all. We’re trying to avoid daytime closures wherever possible, but please be aware of the potential for delays and plan your journey accordingly.

“I know this comes after other recent work in Yeovil, but it’s unavoidable and all about making sure that a growing town like Yeovil has an infrastructure that works, both to cope with current demands and to prepare the town for future development.”

Further details of the scheme will be provided once the investigations are complete and the full extent of the scheme becomes clearer, but for more information contact 0300 123 2224 or email countyroads-southsom@somerset.gov.uk.