Motorists travelling between two Somerset towns will have to add more than 20 miles to their journey over a two-week period to enable drainage improvements to be carried out.

Somerset County Council is intending to upgrade and repair the drainage infrastructure near the Havyatt area just outside Glastonbury, on the A361 Edgarley Road.

The council intends to install additional gullies and raised kerbs to protect local properties from flooding, which will require the road to be closed continuously for a fortnight between February 13 and 24.

During this time, those travelling between Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet will be diverted along the A39 towards Wells – adding up to 22 miles or 45 minutes to their journey.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: "These are crucial works, and by undertaking a large part of the programme during half term, we will mitigate some of the disruption for residents and road users.

"Ultimately this is about tackling drainage problems and ensuring properties do not get flooded and excess surface water isn't left on the road.

"We've given advanced warning of the work with the use of variable message signs along the A361 during the last two weeks, and we are working to ensure the community and wider public are kept informed.

"Every effort will be made to keep the duration of the works to a minimum."

During the road closure, motorists seeking to travel east from Glastonbury will be directed along the A361, follow the A39 to Wells and take the A371 to Shepton Mallet before rejoining the A361 – adding up to 22 miles.

Those wishing to travel west from Pilton or other neighbouring villages will follow the same diversion in reverse.

Pedestrian access and access to households and businesses in the vicinity of the roadworks will be maintained throughout.

For more details on this scheme and other roadworks in your area, visit www.travelsomerset.gov.uk/roadworks.