THE first stage of a major flood protection scheme on the Somerset Levels is entering its final phase and is on schedule for completion before Christmas.

The works at Beer Wall, which are being carried out by Somerset County Council as part of the multi-agency flood action plan, will see four large culverts installed under the A372 next to the Sowy.

Cllr John Osman, chair of the flood action plan leaders implementation group, said: “In engineering terms, it’s pretty incredible what has been achieved in such a short space of time.

“As has been the case from day one, a spell of bad weather could delay things so we have to be cautious.

“But as things stand we are on track to complete the first phase of this key scheme on schedule and have the road reopened again before Christmas.”

Several hundred metres of road has been raised, by more than half a metre in places, and a huge outlet spillway has been excavated on the North side of the road.

The spillway will allow any flood water passing through the culverts to disperse evenly.

Work is about to start on a similar inlet spillway to the south of the road which would channel flood water into the culverts.

Soon a 40ft section will be cut out of the road to accommodate the culverts, meaning that any flood waters this winter can flow under the road rather than flooding over it.

The plan is to have the temporary bridge in place and the road reopened to traffic before Christmas.

Phase two of the scheme, which is planned for spring when weather improves, will see the culverts installed and a permanent road reinstated over them.