WORK to cut the risk of flooding in Chard is progressing – as well a scheme to upgrade gas supplies – but more road closures are coming.

Somerset Council is working with Wessex Water and Wales & West Utilities to co-ordinate the two infrastructure schemes, which it describes as “vital”.

Wessex Water is investing more than £1.3 million in a bid to cut sewer flooding in the town, while Wales & West Utilities is delivering a £415,000 upgrade to a gas main, switching from the current metal pipes to long-lasting plastic pipes, with the work set to be finished by October.

“Good progress is being made as engineering teams have been working on the second phase within Furnham Road, with more than 230 metres of water main renovated, as well as 200 metres of new sewer installed,” a council spokesperson said.

“However, the presence of other utilities, not revealed during the previous surveys of the area, obstructed a short section along the route of the new sewer, requiring some additional work, including a 35-metre length of new electrical cable and extending the current closure of the A358 Furnham Road.

“Wessex Water is continuing its progress of the new sewer towards Glynswood while this additional work takes place, with some changes to the original programme of work to ensure Wales & West Utilities can subsequently complete its own work.”

READ MORE: Traffic lights and months of road closures in Chard during roadworks

Upcoming road closure timetable in Chard during roadworks:

The sewer project will continue along the A358 (Furnham Road) to Glynswood until June 30, with the junction of Furnham Road and Glynswood being closed from June 17.

After that, the sewer work will continue along Glynswood until Friday, October 31.

Meanwhile, Wales & West Utilities will resume its gas main upgrade on Furnham Road, which will remain closed from June 30 to September 1, with Virgin Media 02 also completing cabling and connection work.

Virgin Media 02 will also carry out minor work on Glynswood ahead of Wessex Water but without the need for traffic management.

Access will be maintained for residents, but it may be delayed at times, the council said.

Details of the planned road closures in Chard as the roadworks continue. Picture: Somerset Council