A section of the A378 in Langport, including the railway bridge at Moor Close, will be closed from Monday, August 4 until Sunday, August 31 for essential bridge maintenance work. Network Rail is carrying out continuous repairs, requiring a full road closure and the implementation of a 35-mile (approximately 56.5 km) diversion route.
The diversion directs motorists along the A372 through Othery and onto the A361, with clear signage to guide traffic around the closure. To ensure safety near the nearby Grade I listed Hanging Chapel, temporary traffic lights will be installed on both sides of the chapel, protecting this historic landmark while managing local traffic flow.
Work on the bridge will proceed around the clock, with less disruptive tasks scheduled for nighttime to minimize disturbance. Parking restrictions will be enforced near the closure using no-parking cones, but these do not affect the diversion route, which applies primarily to non-local vehicles.
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Public transport will be affected as well; the 54 bus service will run a reduced schedule during the maintenance period. Pedestrians will still be able to cross beneath the railway bridge, although bus passengers will need to dismount and reboard on each side of the bridge to accommodate safety precautions.
Drivers and commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the officially signed diversion to avoid delays and ensure safety throughout the maintenance works.