MOTORISTS in Durleigh face delays and diversions as a busy Bridgwater road closed for the start of nearly five months of roadworks.

Alfoxton Road is set to be closed while Wessex Water work to build a new sewer, with work starting on Monday, January 7, and expected to be complete by Friday, May 24.

Contrary to information that was sent out previously about the road closure - there will be no opening of the road on evenings and weekends until the work is completed.

Ward councillors Gill Slocombe and Rachael Lilley, and county councillor Ann Bown said they wanted to thank all residents for their patience with the works, which they hope - like the major Durleigh Road closure last year, that the timescales will be reduced.

Cllrs Slocombe,Lilley and Bown issued a joint statement emphasising the importance of driving safely.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Cllr Slocombe said: “It is important people keep within the speed limit of 20mph. Keeping speed down will ensure we have no accidents and everyone arrives safely to school and other destinations.

“Wessex and SCC have agreed signage will be placed throughout the estate roads.”

Expansion of the existing sewerage network in Alfoxton Road is necessary to cope with increased demand and alleviate the risk of flooding.

Alfoxton Road will be closed between Willoughby Road and Danesboro Road at all times during the work. Haygrove School buses that normally use Alfoxton Road will follow a modified route.

Wessex Water’s Michelle Hancox, who has been planning the work, said: “We’ll be laying a new, larger sewer deep within the road which is essential to serve the community and protect the area from flooding.

Michelle said “Customers’ sewerage services won’t be affected by our work but we understand the road closure may cause disruption and we’re sorry for any inconvenience.”

Cllr Slocombe has had discussions with First Bus and they have said the B2 will be travelling via West Street, Queenswood Rd, Alfoxton Rd and Holford Road.

With a couple of temporary stops in place, they will only be missing one bus stop during the closure. The 14 will adopt the same diversion but access the area via Woodbury Rd on route to and from Cannington.