DRIVERS on Exmoor face adding up to 22 miles to their journeys as a week of roadworks gets under way.

Somerset Council has closed a small section of the B3224 between Blagdon Lane and the turn-off towards Withiel Florey, which lies between Minehead and Wivilescombe.

The road will close between 9:30am and 3:30am for five days from Monday (June 10) to allow for resurfacing and other “essential maintenance” to be carried out.

While these roadworks are in place, motorists will be instructed to follow a 22-mile diversion towards Dulverton to the south.

This scheme was originally due to take place later in the year; however, the council said that a postponed scheme elsewhere in the county had “freed up resources”, allowing the work to be carried out before the height of the summer tourist season.

While the roadworks are ongoing until Friday (June 14), motorists wishing to access the westbound B3224 will be diverted south on the B3190 towards Bampton and then head north along the B3222 via Dulverton – adding up to 22 miles to their journey in either direction.

Smaller vehicles may be able to use more local roads to avoid the lengthiest parts of this diversion; however, these will not be formally advertised on the council’s official website.

Outside of the allotted hours, the road will be open as normal but road-users need to be aware that the surface is uneven with covers in place as work will be in progress. 

The council said it would ensure that “disruption is minimised as much as possible” throughout the entire process.

For more information on the repairs and the diversion, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.