Rare-breed sheep were among challenges faced by workers at the Cheddar Gorge site... Pictures: Somerset Council/Pixabay

Two-mile stretch of iconic Somerset route resurfaced – despite sheep and goats!

Paul JonesDecember 2, 20250 Comment0

A TWO-MILE stretch of an iconic Somerset route has been resurfaced – with work completed on time and on budget – despite workers facing challenges including goats and sheep!

Somerset Council said work on the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge – voted one of the most scenic in the country – was “vital”.

Contractor Heidelberg Materials removed and recycled the worn out section of road during night-time works to minimise disruption.

The workers tackled challenging conditions, including steep gradients, narrow sections and local wildlife – including goats and rare-breed sheep.

Around 1,300 tonnes of worn-out road surface was removed and recycled, where possible, back into the new asphalt, produced at the company’s Whatley quarry.

Carbon emissions were further reduced with the same lorries taking the material to the asphalt plant and returning it to site, where possible.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council’s lead member for transport and waste, said: “Cheddar Gorge is a British icon, so keeping the road in good condition is essential. This was a challenging project and I am delighted that Heidelberg has delivered it on time and on budget.”

Tim Doyle, Somerset framework manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, added: “The B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is one of the most scenic roads in the country.

“The successful completion of the scheme, on time and on budget, is testament to the strong partnership with have developed with Somerset Council through our term maintenance contract.”