A notorious collision site near Wells is to close in July for a £4m road safety scheme aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries. Somerset Council said work at Whitnell Corner, near West Horrington, will start on Monday, 6 July, with a 24/7 road closure in place for the duration of the project.

The scheme will replace the existing junction where Bath Road, the B3139, meets the B3135 with a new roundabout. The council said the junction is currently governed by the national speed limit in all directions.

Whitnell Corner has seen 67 collisions over 20 years, according to Somerset Council. These included 15 serious incidents and one fatality in 2019.

Between 2019 and 2024, the council said there were 22 collisions at the junction. Three were serious and one was fatal.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for highways and transport, said: "This is an incredibly important scheme and it's fantastic that we have accessed the funding to deliver it.

"This is about saving lives and preventing injuries at a difficult junction where there has been a significant number of serious collisions.

"We appreciate there will be a temporary impact on residents, businesses and road users; we are working hard to minimise this as much as possible and are grateful for everyone's patience while we deliver this vital scheme."

The council's contractor Octavius will deliver the work. Somerset Council said the scale of the project means it will not be possible to keep the road open while the scheme is carried out.

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The roundabout scheme is due to be completed by the end of the year. Funding has come from Government capital grant money allocated for road safety schemes.

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