Essential works are being carried out on the A361 to cut back a significant number of damaged and overgrown willow trees near West Lyng.

The work requires a road closure and was originally scheduled for Monday 15 January to Friday 26 January, from 9am to 3.30pm. However, due to the closure of the A361 because of flooding, the Council’s contractor has been able to start work this week ahead of schedule which will reduce the impact of the works on local communities and road users.

The A361 is scheduled to re-open from about 4.30pm today (Tuesday 9 January), as water has now receded from the carriageway following flooding.

In order to complete the willow management works, there will now be a daytime closure from 9am to 3.30pm from Monday 15 January to Wednesday 24 January. Outside these hours and at the weekend the road will be open as normal.

A diversion will be in place while the road is closed. You can find information on the Council’s Roadworks and travel information webpage.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said:

This is the optimal time of year to manage vegetation, outside of the growing season.

Fortunately, we’ve managed to reduce the closure time by taking the opportunity to get on site and start the work immediately.

We understand of course there will be an impact for residents and road users, this should be minimised by the fact the the road is open during peak hours and at weekends.”

This work has to be done for the safety of road users.

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