ROAD users in West Somerset are being urged to carefully plan their journeys when the A39 in Porlock is shut for several hours on two nights this week.

Sewer investigations in the village by Wessex Water mean a closure will be in place to through traffic along High Street from Dunster Steep to the junction of Englands Road between 6 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 18 and 19.

Signposted diversions will be in place for light vehicles during the closure, while marshals will also be in place just outside Minehead to advise and divert heavy goods vehicles away from the A39.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “This is essential work that will involve us checking the condition of sewers as part of our ongoing maintenance programme and the replacement of sewer manhole covers.

“We have written to residents and businesses throughout Porlock to advise them about these short-term closures and taken steps to ensure traffic is diverted appropriately during the course of this work.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’’

The outcome of the sewer investigation will determine whether Somerset Council closes the road through Porlock again next week for resurfacing.

The council has planned a four-night closure from April 24 to 28 between 6.30 pm and 11.30 pm nightly.

However, it was aware Wessex Water wanted to carry out sewer lining work in the autumn but that the condition of a section of pipe was not known and needed to be investigated.

If it was found the pipe required an open trench cut in the road, then the council said it would postpone next week’s resurfacing because it would not want the carriageway dug up again so soon.

The council wants to close the A39 High Street from the junction of Parson Street towards the war memorial at Dunster Steep.