THE A361 between Burrowbridge and East Lyng – which re-opened on Thursday after being shut for three weeks – has CLOSED again.

Somerset Council re-opened the route as water levels dropped this week, but have now closed it again after a rise overnight in the spillway next to the road which they said had caused new flooding.

“Unfortunately, due to persistent wet weather, this will continue to be a feature over the coming weeks,” a spokesperson said.

“We recognise the importance of the road to communities and road users which is why on balance we will always try to keep it open even if there is a chance it will have to close again in a short amount of time.

“Water levels will continue to fluctuate and we will continue to work with our partners to balance public safety with the need to open the road when safe and possible.

“We hope to reopen the road as soon as possible.”

READ MORE: Busy route across the Somerset Levels re-opens as flooding eases

Somerset Council lead member for transport and waste services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “We recognise the importance of the road to communities and road users which is why on balance we will always try to keep it open even if there is a chance it will have to close again in a short amount of time.

“During a wet winter like this, we do expect to have to close the road from time to time to keep people safe which is why we have an emergency road closure gate at this location.

“We ask people to please respect the closure when it is in place, for your own safety.

“Water levels will continue to fluctuate over the coming weeks until we have a sustained period of dry weather and we have to balance public safety with the need to open the road when safe and possible.

“We hope to reopen the A361 as soon as we possibly can.”

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