A STRETCH of the A303 in Somerset will be fully closed this weekend during work to remove a temporary bridge.

Traffic will be barred from the road between between the Hazlegrove and Podimore roundabouts during the removal work at Steart Hill.

The bridge was used to minimise the impact of construction on motorists and residents, with its removal marking the end of the first major stage of construction on the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme.

Having been in place for 30 weeks, 900,000 tonnes of earth have been moved across the bridge.

To allow the bridge to be removed safely, the A303 will be closed from 10pm on Friday, November 11, to 5am on Monday, November 14.

Signed diversions will be in place via the A359 and the A37.

Elliot Hayes, National Highways’ senior project manager, said: “The removal of the temporary bridge marks a significant milestone for this major scheme, which is incredibly important for Somerset’s future and vital to the A303/A358 corridor.

“It’s exciting to see how work has progressed, with the major earthworks now completed with minimal disruption.

“You can now really start to see the scheme take shape and we are excited to continue pressing ahead to finalise this vital route.

“We will ensure motorists are fully informed of diversions and suggested routes via signing and media.

"We advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys over the weekend.”

Chris Hill, project director for Galliford Try on the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling scheme, said: “We have made great progress on the scheme since starting a year ago - reaching the milestone of removing the bridge signifies this.

“Having this link between the two sides of the scheme was vital in moving the earth quickly and efficiently, without causing major disruption to the traffic on the A303.”

The £135million scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester will promote economic growth in the area and tackle a long-standing bottleneck, reduce journey times to the South West and improve traffic flows in that area at peak times and during peak seasons.

National Highways is working with delivery partners Galliford Try to construct the scheme.