A key junction where the busy A39 meets the A361 near Ashcott is in line for essential improvements next month.

The A39 will be fully resurfaced from the Normans Lane junction to just past the Pipers Inn car park, including the junction with the A361.

A specialist high friction road surface and improved road markings will also be used to enhance safety at the junction.

Road closures will be required to keep both workforce and public safe, so to keep disruption to a minimum, work will be carried out at night (from 7pm to 7am). All roads will be reopened during the day.

Work starts on Monday 13 March and is due to take five nights split into two phases. Phase 1 will include resurfacing of the A39/A361 junction which will be fully closed overnight from Monday-Tuesday.

During Phase 2 of the resurfacing, the A39 will be closed from Normans Lane to the A361 junction on Wednesday-Friday nights. Traffic will be able to travel towards Street from the A361 onto the A39 eastbound during this phase.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The A39 is a crucial link road and we’ve already seen a lot of investment in recent months to repair stretches at the Causeway, Street, and Loxley Woods near Shapwick.

“This key junction is the next important step and will further improve journeys along this route as well as helping to improve safety.

“We’ve designed a scheme which will keep disruption to a minimum but please plan your journey carefully before you set off.”

A diversion route suitable for all vehicles will be signed during each phase and you can check details in advance at www.travelsomerset.co.uk. You can stay up to date with progress and check live travel conditions by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter.