DRIVERS using the A363 Bath to Bradford on Avon road are facing up to six months of delays and diversions while essential slope stabilisation works take place.

Engineers are just about to start work on a contract to stabilise an embankment on the A363 at Sally in the Wood between Bathford and the Wiltshire boundary.

The move follows a land slip and subsidence earlier this year during the hot, dry summer.

It left wide cracks in part of the northbound lane heading towards Bathford and nearest the steep drop below.

Work starts on Monday, September 10 to install concrete piles and beams to stabilise the area before repairs start on the carriageway itself.

A Bath and North East Somerset Council spokesman said: “The majority of the works will be carried out under temporary traffic signals; however it will be necessary to widen the southbound lane temporarily to provide a safe working zone for the piling equipment and work force.

“The widening will be carried out under night closures of the carriageway from 8pm to 6am from September 10 until September 24.

“During the overnight closures, a signed diversion route using the A4 and A365 will be in place. Works are likely to continue under two-way signals until February 2019.”

The land slip caused cracks in the carriageway and, as a precaution, the northbound lane was closed and temporary traffic signals put in place.

During the period since then, extensive ground investigations have been carried out allowing Bath and North East Somerset Council to work with its appointed contractor and designer to plan a suitable stabilisation scheme.

Cllr Mark Shelford, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: “The engineering work will prevent more severe damage to the road from further land slips.

“We appreciate the patience of the travelling public while the work is carried out and we are reminding drivers to allow time for any delays this work may cause.”

The signed diversion will use the A4 to Box, and then turn right to Five Ways, where drivers can pick up the A365 Bath Road heading towards Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge.