Somerset Council is set to begin essential drainage improvement and resurfacing works on a historically flood-affected stretch of the A39 in west Somerset. The works will take place along Priest Street between Washford and Williton from 28 September to 30 October 2026.
The road segment runs adjacent to the Station Fields development site, where Lovell Homes received detailed planning permission in May 2025 to build 350 new homes, commercial units, and allotments. Although construction on access for the new homes is expected to commence soon, both Somerset Council and Lovell Homes have assured that the developer’s work will not conflict with the council’s scheduled resurfacing programme. Any access-related roadway work will be carried out by Lovell Homes and funded by the developer.
Watchet Town Council recently shared information regarding the resurfacing work, including planned diversions via the B3191 Brendon Road. A council spokesperson emphasised the history of severe flooding affecting this stretch of the highway, highlighting the associated risks to public safety and the potential for unexpected road closures during heavy rainfall.
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“The planned works include two drainage improvement schemes aimed at significantly reducing future flooding risks,” the spokesperson said. “After completing the drainage works, the carriageway will be resurfaced to improve road safety and durability.”
Recognising the A39’s importance as a key route into west Somerset, the council acknowledged that any works here might impact local communities, businesses, deliveries, public transport, and visitors. However, due to the depth of excavation required, the drainage works cannot be undertaken solely during night hours, necessitating some daytime traffic management.
The scheme will utilise a combination of temporary traffic signals and road closures where necessary. Two-way temporary signals will operate during the day. When closures are required, they will generally be scheduled for evenings or overnight and there are currently no plans for daytime road closures. The council also aims to fully reopen the road to two-way traffic on weekends.
A traffic order outlines that Somerset Council will prohibit all traffic on Minehead to Williton Road (from the junction with Stream Road westwards for 688 metres) and Priest Street (from Stream Road eastwards for 290 metres), totalling 978 metres. This restriction will allow Heidelberg to conduct rolling drainage and resurfacing works between 7pm and 7am over 32 nights from 28 September to 30 October 2026.
Under planning conditions, Lovell Homes must commence construction on the Station Fields site within three years of permission being granted, meaning work must start before May 2028. Wyndham Estate, which secured outline planning permission for the development in November 2021, has also received consent for two new sections of the Steam Coast Trail active travel route and submitted commercial development plans in February.
Somerset Council confirmed ongoing discussions with Lovell Homes regarding the Station Fields project, with assurances that the developer’s work will not interfere with the council’s scheduled road improvements.
Developing access to the new site requires a Section 278 agreement between Lovell Homes and the council. This ensures the access is built to agreed standards, including pavement widths and curb heights, and that any disturbance to the highway, such as excavation of newly resurfaced carriageway, must be reinstated by the developer at their cost.
A spokesperson for Lovell Homes stated: “We are working closely with Somerset Council to meet all requirements for the upcoming Station Fields development in Williton. We will provide updates on construction commencement and the availability of new homes in due course.”