RESIDENTS on Exmoor have been thanked for their patience during 15 weeks in which an important road was closed for repairs.

The B3224 between Wheddon Cross and Exford was shut in January for contractors to rebuild a collapsed embankment at Roundwaters.

The damage was caused by a winter 2020 storm bringing down a large tree and temporary traffic lights and a lane closure had been in place since.

The embankment which was rebuilt at Roundwaters on the B3224 across Exmoor.
The embankment which was rebuilt at Roundwaters on the B3224 across Exmoor. PHOTO: Somerset Council. ( )

But Somerset Council contractor Walters finished the £500,000 scheme three weeks early and the road reopened on Friday (April 19).

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “It is great news that this vital and busy route is reopening earlier than scheduled.

“We are well aware of the challenge for local residents and businesses with such a lengthy closure, and I would like to personally thank everybody for their support and patience.

“I would also like to thank our contractor Walters for their fantastic efforts in getting this important work done early.”

The Walters team used a 30-tonne piling plant and 50-tonne crane to carry out the work rebuilding the embankment, which involved importing about 150 tonnes of material to the site.

When the closure was announced, meaning a lengthy detour for traffic, it caused a great deal of anger among Exmoor communities.

The unitary authority responded by organising a public meeting for residents to meet the contractors and council officials.

Anybody who sees problems on the roads can report them quickly and easily by using a portal on the council’s website here.