Drivers are being warned to brace for major disruption this summer as a key stretch of the A361 between Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet is set to close for nearly a month.

Somerset Council has confirmed that extensive drainage works will take place outside Millfield Preparatory School from Sunday 28 July to Thursday 22 August, with a 24-hour road closure in force for the entire period.

The timing has been chosen to coincide with school holidays due to the proximity of Millfield Prep, and although engineers will aim to reopen the road at weekends where possible, full access cannot be guaranteed.

However, the road will be open for the weekend of 9–10 August to accommodate the Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza. Council events staff are also in contact with organisers of the Mid Somerset Show, though it's not yet confirmed whether the road will be open for Sunday 17 August.

A signed diversion route will be in place via Wells, using the A39 and A371, and drivers are urged to plan ahead.

To add to the disruption, Wales & West Utilities will be carrying out gas main replacement works on the A361 at Fishers Hill from 11 August to 1 September, using multi-way temporary traffic signals.

Both projects will overlap between 11–22 August, but the council says the full road closure should reduce traffic pressure and help manage flow through the area.

The roadworks are part of Somerset Council's A361 Edgarley Road Drainage Scheme (ref LG0171285021), and the gas works are registered under Wales & West Utilities project XY274003002101127.

Motorists are encouraged to check live travel updates and follow diversion signage during the affected period.