A month-long programme of critical drainage enhancements and resurfacing works is set to take place on a frequently flood-affected section of the A39 Priest Street, located between Washford and Williton in west Somerset.
Somerset Council has announced that these essential works will run from 28 September to 30 October 2026, aiming to reduce the risks of flooding that have historically caused safety concerns and unexpected closures on this key route. The stretch of road to be improved lies adjacent to the Station Fields development, where Lovell Homes plans to build 350 new homes, commercial spaces and allotments following the detailed planning permission secured in May 2025.
While Lovell Homes has begun inviting interest from potential residents, indicating construction of development access roads is imminent, both the council and the developer have confirmed their schedules will remain coordinated. Any carriageway alterations related to the access will be completed separately by Lovell Homes and will not conflict with the council’s resurfacing programme.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Eye Young Argentine Front-Rower Marcos Camerlinckx
Watchet Town Council recently shared details of the resurfacing work and associated traffic diversions via its official social media channels, highlighting the planned routes along the B3191 Brendon Road during temporary closures.
A Somerset Council spokesperson emphasised the strategic importance of the A39 as a vital artery into west Somerset, acknowledging the potential disruption while explaining that the drainage works require extensive excavation that cannot be confined to night-time hours alone. Consequently, some daytime traffic management, including temporary two-way traffic signals, will be required.
The works will combine temporary traffic signals during the day with road closures restricted to evenings and overnight periods when necessary. Importantly, no full daytime road closures are planned, and the council aims to ensure the road remains open in both directions over weekends.
Supporting this, a traffic order details a prohibition on vehicular traffic along specific sections of Minehead to Williton Road and Priest Street, covering a combined distance of 978 metres. This order facilitates Heidelberg’s execution of rolling drainage and resurfacing operations on behalf of Somerset Council, primarily scheduled between 19:00 and 07:00 over 32 nights within the stated period.
Regarding the Station Fields development, the Wyndham Estate, having received outline planning consent in November 2021, has also secured approval for two new segments of the Steam Coast Trail active travel route and has submitted plans for the commercial components. Somerset Council is actively liaising with Lovell Homes to ensure the development proceeds smoothly alongside the council’s infrastructure improvements.
The creation of new development access requires Lovell Homes to enter a Section 278 agreement with the council. This legally obliges the developer to construct highways elements to agreed standards and ensure any necessary reinstatement of carriageways disrupted by their work is fully completed at their expense.
A spokesperson for Lovell Homes stated, “We are working closely with Somerset Council on all requirements for our upcoming Station Fields development in Williton. Updates on when construction work will commence and when the first new homes will be available will be shared in due course.”