ILMINSTER NEWS: Station Road to close for five weeks for drainage works

ESSENTIAL drainage works to help protect properties in Ilminster from the risk of future flooding are due to start later this month.

Work to upgrade the existing pipework and install additional gullies on the B3168 Station Road is due to start on Monday, February 22, 2016, and is programmed to take around five weeks.

Due to the narrow width of the road, a full road closure will be required so the work can be completed safely. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

But the news has been met with anger from businesses who say the road closure will cause a loss of earnings, while although locals will know shortcuts, an official diversion route will take motorists on a 22-mile journey via Curry Rivel.

The scheme will be carried out in two phases to minimise disruption as much as possible, with each phase expected to take between two and three weeks.

Phase 1: The B3168 Station Road will be closed between Home Farm Way and the site of the old Horlicks Factory. Access to and from the Westcombe Trading Estate during this period will be available from the Stonemasons roundabout direction at all times.

Phase 2. The B3168 Station Road will be closed between Home Farm Way and the Hazelwell Lodge. Access to and from the Westcombe Trading Estate during this period will be available from the Southfields roundabout direction at all times.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s spokesman for highways, said: “It’s important we continue to invest in upgrading our roads and this essential drainage improvement work should help reduce the risk of flooding.

“Unfortunately, there will be an impact on the local community and I apologise for any inconvenience caused. We’ll be working as quickly as possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

While work is underway, a diversion route suitable for HGVs will be clearly signposted, although it is likely that car drivers with local knowledge will find shorter alternatives.

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