A major road safety scheme near Wells remains on schedule to open by mid-December, Somerset Council has said.

Work at Whitnell Corner, also known as Burntwood Junction, is continuing with drainage, utility diversions and other groundwork now under way as part of the £4m project.

The junction, where the B3135 and B3139 meet, is being rebuilt in a bid to reduce the risk of collisions and serious injuries.

Somerset Council said drainage pipe installation on the southern and eastern arms of the junction is around 80% complete, with new chambers and gullies due to follow.

A new drainage pond has also been excavated to its planned depth.

Utility diversion work began on 10 September and includes moving existing telephone infrastructure underground and rerouting fibre cables away from the carriageway.

The council said the team remains on schedule for the new junction to open by the middle of December.

Traffic management remains in place while the work continues, with diversions and closures affecting drivers using routes between Wells, Bath and surrounding villages.

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The council said it was continuing to monitor the effect of the traffic arrangements on nearby communities.

A Speed Indicator Device is also being installed on Old Frome Road in East Horrington as part of that monitoring.

Somerset Council said it recognised the disruption being caused by the work and thanked residents and businesses for their patience.

The authority said the finished scheme is intended to create a safer junction and reduce the potential for collisions and serious injury.

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