A severe heatwave has postponed crucial repair work on a stretch of the A30 in Somerset after extreme temperatures caused the road surface to “liquefy.”
In late May, Somerset Council and its contractor Kiely Brothers undertook resurfacing efforts between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett, a key route connecting Crewkerne and Yeovil. Unfortunately, soaring temperatures during the heatwave softened the bitumen-based binder, known locally as ‘Kiely Lock,’ making it impossible to complete repairs safely.
Councillor Oliver Patrick, representing the Coker division encompassing both villages, has updated residents that ongoing high temperatures continue to delay necessary fixes. The road, initially surface dressed in 2025, saw further maintenance in May 2026 following deterioration, but the extreme heat (locally reaching nearly 33°C) caused the binder to melt and seep through the surface dressing.
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Highways officers highlight that the sharp bends along this section add extra strain on the carriageway compared to straighter segments—unlike the nearby A37 Dorchester Road, which successfully completed similar work before the heatwave hit.
Addressing concerns, Councillor Patrick posted on his official Facebook page on June 23rd, explaining: “The May heatwave liquified the freshly-laid bitumen, causing the initial damage, and now the ongoing heatwave in June is preventing repairs. We need much cooler road temperatures for work to resume.”
In the interim, Somerset Council has installed warning signs to alert drivers to the increased skid risk. Trucks are also spreading sand along the carriageway to improve surface grip and prevent the exposed bitumen from melting further. Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution on the A30 between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett.
Despite these setbacks, Councillor Patrick confirmed that Kiely Brothers will cover the cost of the additional repairs, sparing local taxpayers from the financial burden. He is maintaining close communication with council highways officers and pledges to keep the public informed as the situation develops.