Somerset motorists face a lengthy diversion early in the new year to allow vital upgrades to be made to a key road between two towns.

Somerset County Council has confirmed that it would be closing the A30 Mangle Cave Hill in January and February, allowing it to install new drainage pops and gullies to protect the road from flooding.

Around a mile of the road, which serves as the most direct route between Chard and Crewkerne – as well as a vital alternative route to and from Yeovil – will be completely closed off to allow "significant excavation" to take place.

During this period, motorists will be diverted along the A303, adding up to 45 minutes to their journey in each direction.

The roadworks will see the A30 closed between the junction with St Rayn Hill (leading to Hinton St George) and Liddon Hill, with a full closure beginning on January 23, 2023 and being in force for eight weeks.

The full closure is needed given the extent of the excavation needed and to ensure the safety of the workforce.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: "We understand this is a really important route.

"We know it won't be easy having access closed for this period of time, but this work has to be carried out to ensure the road drains properly and is safe for road users.

"There is never a good time to do this, but this is the best time available to us on balance and avoids clashing with any major holidays."

Motorists from Chard wishing to reach Crewkerne during the roadworks will be diverted along the A358, join the A303 at the Southfields roundabout and take the A356 south via Merriott – adding up to 26 miles to their journey.

Those wishing to travel from Crewkerne to Chard will follow the same diversion in reverse, with the full details being made available on the Travel Somerset roadworks portal by Christmas.

This scheme is the second significant set of roadworks to have affected the A30 in the last 12 months, following the conclusion of lengthy improvements near Haselbury Plucknett between February and July.

For more information on this scheme, and other roadworks in your area, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.