A crucial rural route passing through the Exmoor National Park will undergo a four-month closure to facilitate essential repairs. The B3224 provides a link from Bishop’s Lydeard, situated on the western periphery of the Quantock Hills National Landscape (formerly known as the area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB), to the small village of Exford nestled in the heart of the national park.
A significant segment of the road between Exford and Wheddon Cross, locally recognized as Roundwaters, sustained damage in 2021 when adverse weather conditions caused a tree to collapse onto the road, consequently impacting the embankment. Subsequently, a lane closure and temporary traffic lights have been in operation - resembling the situation at the collapsed section of the A30 on the Somerset-Devon border near Chard.
Somerset Council has officially announced the commencement of full repair works on the B3224, estimating a four-month duration for the road to reopen entirely. Preparatory maintenance was initiated by the council’s structures team on this road stretch in October, taking advantage of the vegetation clearance from the embankment carried out by Openreach.
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To address the road’s restoration, the specific section spanning from the Thorne Lane junction to the Exford Road junction will be completely sealed off from Tuesday, January 2, to Friday, May 10, 2024, encompassing the extended Easter weekend. During the initial week of January, Openreach will be granted unrestricted access to the site to facilitate the “realignment” of overhead cables before the council’s highways contractors commence their operation.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, emphasized the critical nature of the embankment repair at Roundwaters, acknowledging the inconvenience faced by local residents and regular road users. He expressed the council’s appreciation for the community’s patience during the extended road closure, underscoring the long-term benefits that will be derived upon completion of the scheme.
The comprehensive closure of the road is imperative to accommodate a piling plant, essential for properly stabilizing the embankment and installing new drainage. Once the repair works conclude, the road will undergo complete resurfacing. Throughout the duration, access for residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity will be upheld, with a diversion plan to be communicated closer to Christmas through www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.
Due to the proximity of the site to a special area of conservation (SAC) housing protected bat populations, work cannot be conducted during night hours. In light of this development, local residents and businesses are encouraged to pose queries to council officers, scheme designers WSP, and contractor Walters Group at a forthcoming public meeting scheduled to be held at Moorland Hall in Cutcombe tomorrow (Wednesday, November 29) at 7.30 pm.