Closure of A372 at Seven Bends

Major flood alleviation works will require the closure of the A372 between Othery and Aller.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these works.  These works are likely to continue over the weekend.

Working closely with partners the Environment Agency has been able to secure approval to evacuate additional water down the River Parrett relief channel (Sowy). This will include additional pumping on the Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain to ensure this water is evacuated quickly. They are extremely large units and will require the A372 road to stay closed for the period they are operating.

If you have any questions about this, please call 0800 807060 and ask to speak to the Somerset Flood Incident Duty Officer.

We understand this will increase river flows in the King’s Sedgemoor catchment. We will be installing temporary flood defences where necessary to minimise the impact of the increased flows on properties in this catchment.

The limiting factor for pumping has always been the high river levels in the Parrett and Tone. Due to the prolonged extreme weather (The Met Office has today said that this is one of, if not the most, exceptional period for winter rainfall in at least 248 years) we have been able to assess and agree with partners that we can increase flows in the River Parrett relief channel. This will assist in reducing river levels in the Parrett and Tone. We will be doing this in a controlled manner, with staff located at key sites, and will continue to monitor the situation 24 hours a day.