Somerset drivers are bracing for significant delays this summer as essential repairs begin on the Langport railway bridge, a critical link on the Taunton to Castle Cary line. The bridge spans the A378 Moor Close, near the boundary between Langport and Huish Episcopi, and requires urgent strengthening to ensure safety for both rail and road users.
Originally rebuilt in the 1970s, the bridge will undergo major works including the addition of new steel supports beneath the structure, grit blasting, cleaning, repainting, and the installation of anti-collision markings to protect against damage from large vehicles. To facilitate this, Network Rail will close the A378 for almost the entire month of August, with additional short closures planned over two weekends in September.
The closure will force motorists traveling to Langport from the east, or Somerton from the west, to take a detour via Taunton and Othery, extending their journey by up to 27 miles. The diversion route follows the A372 towards Othery, the A361 through Burrowbridge, around Taunton via the A38, then south on the A358 to reconnect with the A378 near Curry Rivel. Drivers coming from the west will follow this route in reverse.
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This railway bridge carries Great Western Railway services along the Taunton to London Paddington line and will soon also serve additional trains operated by the cooperative Go-op, starting in December 2025, reaching as far as Swindon and Weston-super-Mare.
Network Rail’s principal portfolio manager, Dan Parkes, emphasized the necessity of the work: “The bridge has now reached an age where essential repairs are critical to maintain safe travel for rail passengers and motorists. While the closures will be inconvenient, we have coordinated with local councils to schedule the work outside of school terms and busy holiday seasons.”
Pedestrian access under the bridge will remain open throughout the work. A public consultation event was held in Langport on June 11 to review closure details and gather local feedback.
Following the main closure from August 4 to 31, the road will partially reopen with temporary three-way traffic lights controlling nighttime traffic from September 1 to 12. Full closures will return on the weekends of September 13-14 and 20-21, along with the same lengthy detours.
Morgan Sindall project manager Karl Butler assured residents: “We will be working around the clock to minimize the project’s duration and reduce inconvenience. While some noise and dust are unavoidable, we are committed to using efficient machinery and closely monitoring the site to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Drivers are encouraged to plan journeys ahead and heed diversion signs to navigate these closures safely.