A key stretch of the A39 in west Somerset, known for severe flooding, is set to close for vital maintenance works lasting up to a month. Somerset Council will undertake extensive drainage improvements and road resurfacing along Priest Street, between Washford and Williton, from 28 September to 30 October 2026.
This section of the road passes by the Station Fields development, where Lovell Homes received detailed planning permission in May 2025 for 350 new homes, commercial premises, and allotments. The developer has already begun inviting potential residents to register their interest, indicating that construction access work is anticipated to commence soon.
Both Somerset Council and Lovell Homes have assured that their respective works-council-led drainage and resurfacing, and developer-led site access construction-will be coordinated to avoid conflicts. Any additional carriageway work required by the developer will be carried out separately and at their expense.
READ MORE: New Light Trail Near Bath Offers Affordable Festive Experience Opening Soon
READ MORE: ‘Charming’ Somerset village near the coast poised for growth with new housing
To keep local residents informed, Watchet Town Council recently shared details of the resurfacing project on its official Facebook page, including diversion routes via the B3191 Brendon Road.
A council spokesperson explained that this part of the highway has historically suffered from significant flooding, risking public safety and causing frequent road closures during heavy rainfall. The planned drainage schemes aim to considerably reduce future flood risks at the site. After completion of the drainage works, the carriageway will be resurfaced to enhance road quality.
Given the extensive nature of the drainage work and excavation needed, some daytime traffic management is unavoidable. The council plans to manage the works with a combination of temporary traffic signals and road closures. Two-way temporary signals will operate during the day, while road closures-limited to evenings or overnight-will be implemented when necessary. There are currently no plans to close the road during daytime hours, and the road is expected to reopen fully to two-way traffic over weekends.
The relevant traffic order details that the closure will affect approximately 978 metres combined on Minehead to Williton Road and Priest Street between 19:00 and 07:00 over 32 nights starting 28 September.
According to planning requirements, Lovell Homes must commence construction on the Station Fields site within three years of detailed consent, meaning work must begin by May 2028. The Wyndham Estate, which secured initial outline planning permission in November 2021, has also obtained approval to deliver two new sections of the Steam Coast Trail active travel route related to the outline consent. Additionally, plans for the site’s commercial element were submitted in late February.
Somerset Council confirmed ongoing active discussions with Lovell Homes regarding the development delivery but emphasised that the developer’s work schedule will not interfere with the council’s improvement programme.
To facilitate access construction, Lovell Homes will enter into a Section 278 agreement with the council. This legal arrangement ensures the access is built to agreed standards, covering pavement widths, curb heights, and other highway specifications. It also mandates that any reinstatement work-such as repairing newly resurfaced surfaces disturbed during development-will be done by the developer or its contractors at their own cost.
A Lovell Homes spokesperson 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.”