'Disruption likely' as viaduct to close for safety works

Somerset Council say the work is crucial to help stop potholes forming

Motorists have been warned of potential disruption ahead of a town's viaduct closing for pothole prevention works.

The Obridge Viaduct and part of Priorswood Road in Taunton, Somerset, will shut on Thursday, 22 August from 19:00 until 23:30 BST.

Surface dressing will take place during the works, which seals a road and improves skid resistance.

Somerset Council’s lead member for highways Richard Wilkins said: “It’s vital we do this work to prolong the life of the road and cut down on the number of defects to the surface over the winter period.”

Surface dressing can only be carried out in dry weather, so the programme is flexible, and dates can change at short notice.

Mr Wilkins added: “We appreciate there is likely to be some disruption which is why the team is carrying out the work in the evening."

This year’s road surface dressing programme is the biggest in four years, and will cover the equivalent of 141 football pitches.