TWO-way traffic is expected to be maintained on the major route in West Somerset during the construction of a long-awaited roundabout at Washford Cross, highway chiefs pledged this week. Work to improve road safety at the notorious blackspot at the junction of the A39 and B3190 is likely to begin in the autumn and take nine months to complete. There were fears that the complex roadworks could mean the partial closure of the A39 - a major artery into Minehead and Exmoor and vital to the district's economy. But Somerset County Council said on Wednesday that keeping the A39 open as far as possible to ensure traffic could continue to flow freely was key to the scheme. However, the work will mean the B3190 into Watchet will have to be closed at the Tropiquaria zoo junction. The diversions which will be put in place are still being finalised but EDF has put forward a proposal - currently being considered by the county council - that would send traffic via Five Bells. The implications of the alternative route, particularly a potential conflict with Danesfield Middle School, are apparently being looked at. But access to Tropiquaria - a major visitor attraction - will be provided throughout the roundabout construction via a diversion route. The roundabout is being funded by EDF Energy as part of its plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and has to be in place before the company's proposed park and ride facility at Washford lorry park is up and running. The scheme is seen as "reversible" works as the electricity price deal for Hinkley C has yet to be given the all-clear by Europe, after which EDF will make its final investment decision on the multi-billion pound development. Meetings over the roundabout construction have taken place in recent weeks with key stakeholders, including parish and town councils and traders, with the aim of keeping them fully informed and ensuring that diversion routes can be planned and signposted to minimise disruption. Cllr David Hall, county council cabinet member for business, inward investment and policy, described the planned start of work on the roundabout as another significant step in the Hinkley C project. "This means that a further piece of infrastructure is underway prior to the main work beginning on the Hinkley C site and will address long-standing community concerns regarding safety at this busy junction." The long awaited improvement, which is part of a package of new facilities and schemes worth millions of pounds funded by EDF to off-set the impact of the nuclear development, has been welcomed by local civic leaders. Cllr Hugh Davies, who represents the Watchet and Stogursey division on the county council and Williton on West Somerset Council, said the roundabout would transform the junction, improving safety for the long term. But he added: "Keeping traffic flowing on the A39 is vital for West Somerset and its economy. "It is also important that the work takes place and is completed before the start of the main tourism season. "All partners will work closely with affected communities and businesses to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum as much as possible whilst construction is underway." West Somerset Council planning committee chairman Cllr Tony Knight said the roundabout was a requirement of the committee when it granted permission for site preparation works for Hinkley C. "As a ward member for Watchet, I am pleased that work on the roundabout is beginning as it will lead to a safer route for Watchet residents and visitors to the town."