Somerset drivers are preparing for a significant detour this summer as urgent repairs are scheduled for the Langport railway bridge, a key crossing on the A378 Moor Close near the boundary between Langport and Huish Episcopi. The bridge, reconstructed in the 1970s, requires vital steel reinforcement and a full repaint to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Network Rail has announced that the A378 will be closed from August 4 to August 31 to accommodate the extensive refurbishment work, with additional intermittent closures planned for two weekends in September. During these closures, motorists traveling between Langport and Somerton will face a diversion adding up to 27 miles to their journey, routing through Taunton and Othery.
The bridge supports Great Western Railway services on the Taunton to London Paddington line via Castle Cary, Bruton, and Frome. Starting December 2025, the co-operatively owned operator Go-op is set to launch additional services on this route, extending as far as Swindon and Weston-super-Mare.
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Repairs will include grit-blasting the structure, cleaning, repainting, and installing new anti-collision markings to protect against impacts from large vehicles. Dan Parkes, Network Rail’s principal portfolio manager, emphasized the necessity of this work: “The bridge has reached an age where essential repairs are needed to keep rail passengers and road users safe. We understand the disruption this closure will cause but have worked closely with local councils to schedule the project outside of school terms and busy holiday periods.”
Pedestrian access beneath the bridge will remain open throughout the work to ensure residents can still reach local amenities. The full road closure will allow the construction team to work efficiently and safely, with details subject to adjustment following community feedback from the public drop-in event held in Langport on June 11.
The diversion route takes motorists from Langport eastbound via the A372 to Othery, then the A361 through Burrowbridge to Taunton’s outskirts. From there, drivers follow the A38 around Monkton Heathfield and take the A358 south at Creech Castle before rejoining the A378 near Curry Rivel. Westbound travelers to Somerton will follow the same path in reverse.
In September, the road will open with temporary night-time three-way traffic lights from September 1 to 12, followed by weekend closures on September 13–14 and 20–21, maintaining the diversion during these periods.
Morgan Sindall’s project manager Karl Butler assured residents that to minimize inconvenience, work will proceed around the clock. “We recognize that noise and disturbance are unavoidable but will use the most efficient machinery and closely monitor the site to reduce impact,” he said.
Pedestrians and drivers alike are advised to plan ahead and stay informed about ongoing roadworks.