DRIVERS could face up to a 60-mile diversion amid upcoming resurfacing works.

According to official guidelines from Somerset Council, drivers on Exmoor’s key B3224 route are advised to follow a 60-mile diversion to avoid the upcoming works on a half-mile stretch between Church Hill and Chapel Street in Exford.

The resurfacing works, which are being undertaken by contractors Heidelberg, will take place for five days from Monday, March 24 to Friday, March 28.

Following initial work under temporary traffic lights on Monday, the road will be closed to vehicles from Tuesday, March 25 to Friday, March 28, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

During the closure, the official diversion will be in place, which, due to legal requirements, must be of a similar classification of road or greater. The 60-mile alternative route follows respective A and B routes to meet these standards.

A representative of Exford Parish Council has said: “Alternative unsigned routes will likely be used by road users on these lesser classified routes, and if vehicles are suitable for these routes, there are no restrictions for their use. However, please be considerate of these communities.”

Outside of the given timings, the road will be open as normal.

An executive member of Somerset Council, Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “This is an important scheme delivering a fresh surface on a busy, vital route across Exmoor.

“The team will do their best to get the work completed as quickly and painlessly as possible - please do liaise with them if you are a resident and need to raise any issues around access.

“We are extremely grateful to residents for their support and understanding while this work is done.”

The same B3224 route was closed between Exford and Wheddon Cross this time last year when works were undertaken to reconstruct the embankment at Roundwaters. The road was closed for four months from January.