A361 Burrowbridge closure starts soon with 21-mile diversion ahead

By Laura Linham 23rd Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Drivers who use the A361 through Burrowbridge may want to start planning now, rather than discovering the diversion the traditional Somerset way: slightly late and deeply annoyed.

Main Road is due to close fully from Monday, 3 August while Somerset Council replaces the traffic lights on the bridge over the River Parrett.

The A361 is a key route across the Somerset Levels, linking Taunton with Burrowbridge and onward routes towards Street, Glastonbury and Langport.

The road will be closed in both directions at all times from Monday, 3 August until Wednesday, 2 September. Somerset Council said crossing facilities will remain in place, while access for residents and businesses, including The King Alfred Inn, will be maintained throughout the scheme.

The work is being carried out because the traffic signals on either side of the bridge are more than 30 years old and are nearing the end of their service life. The council said replacing them is needed to reduce the risk of failure and avoid longer disruption for motorists and pedestrians.

As part of the scheme, kerbs near the bridge will be widened to create more space for pedestrians where Main Road meets the River Parrett Trail. The signalised crossing on the western side of the bridge will also be replaced and upgraded, while battered kerbs on the eastern approach will be repaired or replaced.

Diversion details

During the August and September closure, all traffic wishing to access villages east of Burrowbridge will be diverted back along the A361 to the Walford Cross junction. The route then continues right on the A38 through North Petherton and into Bridgwater town centre, before taking the A372 towards Westonzoyland and Othery.

Motorists travelling to Taunton from the eastern side of Burrowbridge will follow the same diversion in reverse. The official diversion will add approximately 21 miles to journeys in each direction.

Smaller vehicles may be able to use local roads for shorter routes, but these will not be advertised as official diversions. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead before the closure starts, especially for regular journeys across the Levels.

Further details of roadworks are available through Somerset Council's roadworks and travel pages. Members of the public can contact the project's public liaison officer, Syed Shah, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07812 449605.