MAJOR engineering works are due to start in the New Year to repair a West Somerset road where a 10-year-old schoolboy was killed when a coach crashed last July.

Temporary two-way traffic lights have been in place since the crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe.

Minehead Middle School pupil Oliver Price died and many other children and adults were injured when the coach came off the road as it returned from an end of academic year educational outing to Exmoor Zoo.

Now, Somerset Council highways contractors will begin repairs in the week beginning Monday, January 5.

The work will see the A396 completely closed 24 hours a day for up to three weeks until Friday, January 23.

Council assistant highway service manager Kali Martin said: “The delay in programming the repairs was due to detailed ground investigations, which showed that sheet piling would not be suitable for reinstating the verge edge and fencing.

“Instead, a stronger and more reliable solution using king pin concrete anchors with a concrete beam will be installed to ensure the long-term stability of the road.

“To carry out these essential works safely, A396 Cutcombe Hill will need to be fully closed for approximately three weeks.

“This will be a 24-hour closure throughout the period.

“We appreciate this may cause inconvenience, and we want to assure you these dates represent the worst-case scenario.

“We are hopeful the works can be completed sooner.

“We understand how important this route is to the community and thank you for your patience and co-operation while we complete these vital repairs.”

Mr Martin said plans were being looked at to try to allow school transport to shuttle pupils through the works site to minimise disruption for families, but public service vehicles would follow the official diversion routes.