Motorists are being warned of a daytime closure for the A39 in West Somerset through the coming week.

The main A39 road from Minehead to Porlock is to be closed between school run hours for five days while urgent drain and gully repairs are carried out.

The same stretch of road will also have night-time closures for four nights the following week to allow it to be resurfaced.

The work is happening on a 500-yard stretch of the highway between Headon Cross and Venniford Cross.

Access via the A39 to Wootton Courtney will be kept available, although Somerset County Council advised motorists should not use it as a local diversion route.

The repairs and preparatory works will take place from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3pm with the road completely shut.

Temporary two-way traffic signals will be in use outside those hours.

All HGV vehicles over 17 tonnes and/or over 9.5 metres in length will be held in holding areas and access granted through the site between 1pm and 1.30pm.

Emergency vehicle access will also be allowed throughout the road closures and will be managed by gate personnel.

A full road closure will then be imposed the following week for resurfacing between 6pm and 7am from March 13 to 16.

County council highways portfolio holder Cllr Mike Rigby said: “We delayed these works to find a more suitable time so the closures will have a reduced impact on road users.

“The work is essential. We are improving drainage and carrying out repairs.

“However, we understand there will still be disruption, which is why undertaking these works outside peaks hour is likely to limit just that. Our team will do everything they can to minimise this.

“Our team will be in touch with residents and businesses in the immediate area to ensure they have all the information they need.”

Cllr Rigby said people should check the details of the diversion and plan ahead if they used the route regularly.

Details of approved roadworks can be found on the council’s searchable map at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.

Any concerns about roadworks can be flagged to the council by contacting @Travel Somerset on Twitter and Facebook.