A MAJOR route across the Somerset Levels will close for 10 days during roadworks to replace a water main.

People are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of the second phase of work on the water main replacement project.

The A361 will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the road bridge over the River Parrett in Burrowbridge between 8am on Monday, April 7 and 5pm on Thursday, April 17.

The closure will see temporary connections made to the existing water main either side of the road bridge and a short section of main installed across the A361 at either end.

The first phase of the project took place last summer, while this set of works will see Wessex Water install a temporary overland pipe to allow works to replace the existing water main to take place at a later date.

A diversion, using the A361 (Burrow Wall), Townsend, A372 (Langport Road), into Bridgwater using Parkway, A39 (Bath Road), A38 (Broadway and Taunton Road) and then the A361 will be in place during the roadworks.

Meanwhile, ‘soft closures’ will be in place in Othery and just outside Burrowbridge to remind heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that the road is shut.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “This is the second part of a staggered project to replace the main that was installed in the 1960s, for which the sleeve designed to protect it has sustained damage, leaving the pipe at risk of further deterioration and leaks.

“Road closures are always the last resort but in this case the closure is essential due to the position of the work and the surrounding network.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and have written extensively to customers and businesses throughout the area to inform them about this investigative work.

“We are also working closely with Somerset Council to ensure Variable Message Signs (VMS) are in place around the area to warn road users about the closure.

“Once this phase of work has been completed, we’ll be able to properly plan for the final replacement of the main, which is located on the side of the bridge, and will write to customers and businesses at a later date about that work.”