CONTRACTORS have begun the second phase of a major Wellington roadworks scheme from Mantle Street through to Hilly Head.

The road will remain closed between 7.30 am and 6 pm daily until completion on Thursday (August 24) evening.

Somerset assistant highway service manager Gwyn Hughes said the contractors moved in with planing equipment early Friday morning and planed the surface in front of Wellington Medical Centre’s entrance.

Mr Hughes said there were only minimal delays and access to the medical centre was reopened before patients began arriving and was maintained throughout the rest of the day.

He said the planing was continued to a point just past the Hilly Head junction and limited access had been permitted to the BP petrol filling station and to the Cleve Hotel with no issues reported.

The road was reopened for the weekend before work began again Monday (August 21).

The first phase of the project saw daytime two-way traffic lights in use while the contractors carried out preparatory work including verge ploughing, replacement of broken kerbs, resetting gully lids, and drainage jetting.

The contractors will return on Monday, September 11, to replace drainage in Exeter Road from Dobree Park to Popes Lane crossroads.

The work is estimated to last for 20 days until Friday, October 6, and the road will be completely shut while it is carried out.

However, it will be specially opened for a day for Wellington Carnival to take place on Saturday, September 30.