Water main work to shut A361 for two days

The A361 is closed to traffic in both directions

A main road, through the edge of the Somerset Levels, will shut for two days for water main assessments.

Wessex Water is closing the A361 at Burrowbridge in both directions at the road bridge over the River Parrett on Tuesday and Wednesday between 08:00 BST and 17:00 BST.

Wessex Water says the water main in Burrowbridge was first installed in the 1960s and the sleeve designed to protect it has sustained damage, leaving the pipe at risk of leaks.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Road closures are always the last resort but in this case the closure is essential due to the position of the main and the surrounding network."

A diversion, using the A361 at Burrow Wall, Townsend, A372 at Langport Road, into Bridgwater using Parkway is in place.

Nearby roads Riverside and School Lane will also be closed to through-traffic near the A361.

Access will be maintained for residents, businesses and emergency vehicles from the north side of the A361 closure.

A diversion for that closure, linking Riverside to the A372 at Westonzoyland via the village of Thorngrove will also be in place.

The Wessex Water spokesperson added: “By digging trial holes within this A361 closure we can determine where connections to the existing water main can be made ahead of a proposed pipe replacement scheme.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and have written extensively to customers and businesses locally to inform them about this investigative work."