WORK by Somerset Council to repair a collapsed embankment on an important Exmoor road between Wheddon Cross and Exford is on schedule and progressing well.

The B3224 was closed when work started on the repairs at Roundwaters on January 8, with the road not due to be reopened until May 10.

Photographs released this week by the council underlined the scale of the task being undertaken by the council’s contractor Walters.

The damage was caused when a tree came down in a winter storm more than two years ago, causing a landslip beside the road edge.

Thirty-tonne piling plant is in use on the Roundwaters repairs on the B3224 on Exmoor.
Thirty-tonne piling plant is in use on the Roundwaters repairs on the B3224 on Exmoor. (Somerset Council)

A lane closure and temporary traffic lights were in place until the cost of the repairs could be covered.

A council spokesperson said the new images supported the authority’s view that there was no way to complete the work without a full road closure.

The scheme needed a 30-tonne piling plant which took up a significant width of road, a 50-tonne crane, and about 150 tonnes of material were imported to the site.

The spokesperson said once the embankment was stabilised new drainage would be installed and the carriageway resurfaced.

The four-month road closure with its lengthy diversion route angered residents who criticised the ‘unacceptable’ effect it would have on people’s lives.

Repairs to the B3224 on Exmoor are on schedule.
Repairs to the B3224 on Exmoor are on schedule. (Somerset Council)

Feelings were running so high the council had to organise a public meeting in Wheddon Cross to explain the plans and give residents an opportunity to question the contractors.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “Getting this embankment repaired is a major piece of work, as I saw for myself during a recent site visit.

“We are extremely grateful to local residents, community leaders, and businesses for their support and understanding.

“We know having to close the road does have an impact, so it is good to know that work is progressing well and remains on schedule.

“Once it is completed and the embankment structure is restored, it will mean temporary lights and the resulting delay to drivers will finally be removed from this busy route.”

A diversion is in place while the road remains closed, details of which can be found here.