Somerset motorists may have to travel more than 20 miles out of their way overnight as a key stretch of the A37 shuts for repairs.

Somerset County Council will be closing the A37 Fosse Way in Pylle, just south of Shepton Mallet, overnight on Friday (March 10) to undertake "urgent repairs and patching work".

During the closure – which will be in force from 6:30pm until 7:30am the following morning – motorists will have to observe a lengthy diversion along the A361 to Glastonbury and through the villages east of Street.

The council said the work was "necessary to ensure that the road is safe and in good condition for motorists."

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for transport and digital, said: "We understand that roadworks can be inconvenient for motorists, but we want to assure everyone that this work is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of A37 Fosse Road.

"We have carefully planned this work to minimise disruption with work taking place overnight. Please do check the details on the diversion and plan ahead if you use this route regularly."

Motorists wishing to travel southbound on the A37 towards Yeovil and the A303 will be diverted west along the A361 to Glastonbury and pick up the A39 to Street.

They will then head south along the B3151 towards Somerton, take Reynalds Way at Compton Dundon, pick up the B3153 through Keinton Mandeville and rejoin the A37 at Lydford-on-Fosse – adding up to 26 miles to their journey.

Those wishing to travel the A37 northbound will follow the same diversion, with the road closure being in force north of the Hedge Road junction in Pylle.

Smaller, lighter vehicles may be able to use local roads to save time, but these routes will not be officially signposted.

For more information on these and other roadworks in your area, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/roadworks.