MOTORISTS will face almost three weeks of disruption while a stretch of the A39 in Carhampton is resurfaced and the village's pedestrian crossing is upgraded.

Work to change the existing pelican into a puffin crossing - said by experts to be more responsive to pedestrian and vehicle demand - is set to begin on June 1 and last for ten working days.

Highways chiefs will use the opportunity of temporary traffic signals to carry out drainage and kerb repairs ahead of resurfacing work, which is scheduled to begin on June 16.

The road will be closed for a total of four evenings from 6.30pm to 11pm.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said notices warning of the forthcoming disruption had gone up in the area.

She said the changes being made to the crossing were part of the authority's commitment to increased investment in traffic control.

Once upgraded to a puffin crossing, there will no longer be a flashing amber signal for vehicles, while for pedestrians, a red/green 'man' will be on their nearside, immediately above the push buttons.

It will be the second time in six months that Carhampton has faced traffic disruption.

Last November another section of the main road through the village was closed for three evenings, also for resurfacing work.