The A36 south of Bath will be closed for 12 weeks from next Monday (31 March) for major roadworks at Limpley Stoke and Monkton Combe.

The closure is necessary while we carry out slope stabilisation, carriageway reconstruction, stabilise a retaining wall and resurface the footway.

During the work we will:

* Stabilise both the slope at Limpley Stoke and the retaining wall at Monkton Combe by creating two reinforced concrete piled walls. At Limpley Stoke a stretch of carriageway 110 meters long will have approximately 100 reinforced 8 to 14 metre deep concrete piles sunk. At Monkton Combe a reinforced concrete wall with 10 concrete piles 10 to 12 metres deep will be constructed.

* Erect a new safety fence at Limpley Stoke and new railings at Monkton Combe

* Resurface the carriageway with a noise reducing material and resurface the footway at Monkton Combe

Highways Agency project manager Dave Frampton said:

"After many months of planning we are now ready to start this work and road users are advised to makes plans for their journeys and to follow the signed diversion routes from Monday morning.

"The work is essential to secure the long term stability and safety of the A36, but will inevitably cause inconvenience to many people who live in the area and regularly use the road.

"The work will be carried out as quickly as possible and we aim to complete by the beginning of July to avoid the summer holiday period. "

During the work the following diversion will be in place:

Light traffic only:

Northbound

Leave the A36 at Warminster to join the A362, at Farrington Gurney take the A37 to Bristol, or take the A367 to Bath.

Southbound

Take the A37 from Bristol and join the A362 at Farrington Gurney. At Warminster take the A36. Or leave Bath on A367 and join the A362 towards Warminster until reaching the A36.

Heavy Goods Vehicles

Northbound

Leave A36 at Warminster to join the A350 north. At Chippenham take the A4 eat until reaching Bath.

Southbound

Leave Bath on the A4. At Chippenham join the A350 until reaching Warminster and joining the A36.