Repairs to a vulnerable section of the A30 in Somerset have been delayed due to ongoing heatwave conditions, which caused the road surface to “liquify” following extreme weather in late May.
Somerset Council, along with its highways contractor Kiely Brothers, had been undertaking resurfacing work on the A30 between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett — a key route linking Crewkerne and Yeovil. However, the intense May heatwave, with temperatures nearing 33°C, melted the bitumen-based binder known as ‘Kiely Lock’, essential for binding the road surface. This melting prevented the completion of repairs and created hazardous driving conditions.
Councillor Oliver Patrick, representing the Coker division encompassing both villages, has informed residents that the current heatwave has further postponed repair efforts. Surface dressing originally planned in 2025 was disrupted by weather conditions, delaying the application of ‘Kiely Lock’ until additional work took place in May 2026 after the road showed signs of deterioration.
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The high temperatures caused the binder to soften and seep through the surface dressing before it could properly set. Highways officials explained that the winding bends along this stretch of the A30 subject the carriageway to increased stress, unlike straighter roads such as the A37 near Yeovil, where similar work was completed without issue before the May heatwave.
Councillor Patrick shared an update on June 23 via his official Facebook page: “The May heatwave liquified the freshly-laid bitumen, causing this problem in the first place, and now a June heatwave is delaying the repairs. The road needs to cool significantly for work to continue.”
In the interim, Somerset Council has installed warning signs to alert motorists to the skid risk, and sand trucks have been dispatched to increase surface traction and prevent further melting.
Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution when travelling between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett.
The council has publicly listed planned roadworks for the year, including another segment of the A30 between Crewkerne and Chard. Councillor Patrick confirmed that Kiely Brothers will cover the costs of the additional repairs, sparing local taxpayers the expense.
He remains in close communication with council highways officers and pledges to provide ongoing updates as the situation develops.