Somerset Council has announced plans to carry out repairs on a problematic section of the A30 between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett, a key route connecting Crewkerne and Yeovil.
In late May, Somerset Council and its highways contractor Kiely Brothers began resurfacing work on the A30. However, the high temperatures experienced during the recent heatwave caused the bitumen-based binder-known locally as ‘Kiely Lock’-to melt. This unexpected melting prevented the completion of repairs and created hazardous conditions for drivers.
Councillor Oliver Patrick, whose Coker division includes both villages, informed residents in late June that the heatwave had delayed further repair work, explaining that the road surface “has to be a lot cooler for any repairs to work.”
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Now, Councillor Patrick has confirmed that the long-awaited repairs are scheduled for early September. To minimise disruption, the resurfacing will be carried out overnight, keeping the road open to two-way traffic during the day.
This stretch of the A30 was initially surface dressed in 2025, but due to weather conditions at the time, the ‘Kiely Lock’ binder was not applied. After reports of deterioration, further surface dressing took place in May 2026. During the late-May heatwave, local temperatures neared 33°C, with road surface temperatures significantly higher. This caused the binder to soften and rise through the surface dressing before the work could be completed.
Highways officers have noted that the bends along this section of the A30 place greater stress on the carriageway compared to straighter roads. Similar resurfacing work on the A37 Dorchester Road near Yeovil was completed without issues prior to the heatwave.
Councillor Patrick, who recently announced his intention to stand for the new Coker division in next year’s local elections, provided an update on his official Facebook page on 3 August. He acknowledged the concerns of many residents about the slippery road conditions following the surface dressing.
He stated: “The exceptionally hot weather this summer has caused problems with the road surface, resulting in a loss of texture in some sections.”
In the interim, the council has implemented mitigation measures including applying dusting material to improve grip and installing additional warning signs for drivers.
He confirmed that Somerset Council and its contractor Kiely Bros have agreed on a permanent solution, with full resurfacing of the affected sections planned to start overnight on Tuesday, 1 September, and expected to finish before the end of the week.
This repair work will be funded by Kiely Brothers, ensuring no additional cost to local taxpayers.
In April, the council published a list of every road in Somerset scheduled for surface dressing this year, including another section of the A30 between Crewkerne and Chard.
Councillor Patrick concluded his update by thanking residents for their patience and promising to keep them informed as the repairs progress.