THERE could be chaos for drivers on two of Somerset's key A roads as major resurfacing works get underway.

The A372 Langport Road near Long Sutton and the A356 between Merriott and the A303 will be closed later this month as major engineering work to repair and resurface gets underway.

Somerset County Council said the work is necessary as they are both showing signs of deterioration.

Cllr David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “We all want to drive on smooth, safe roads and these are extensive improvement schemes which will provide permanent benefits and reduce the need for future maintenance.

“There will be some short-term disruption while work is underway but our policy of planning ahead and investing in a long term maintenance programme is working – with the number of potholes requiring attention on our roads falling from 27,500 in 2010 to 19,700 in 2016.”

Both schemes will require daytime road closures to protect the workforce and travelling public, but these will be kept to a minimum.

Starting on Monday, February 27, the A356 is scheduled to be closed between Furringdon Cross and the A303 for approximately 15 days from 7.30am to 5.30pm.

The road will be reopened at weekends.

Following this, temporary traffic lights will be required for around 10 days while the work is completed.

Preparatory work on the A372 Langport Road started this week using temporary traffic lights.

The road will also be closed for around 11 days (excluding weekends) between 7.30am and 5.30pm starting on Monday, February 27.