Current status
Background
Following severe flooding on the Somerset Levels in 2014, emergency road closure gates were installed at eight locations to help stop vehicles potentially getting stuck in flood waters.
The gates are kept locked open at all times and will only be locked shut when water levels are rising and the road is at risk of becoming impassable.
When the gates are shut
The emergency road closure gates will only be locked shut when the road is impassable or at risk of becoming impassable. They will only be closed during daylight hours. This means gates may be shut before a road becomes flooded if there is a risk it will become flooded overnight.
All decisions are made to help keep people safe following advice from the emergency services or the Environment Agency.
Once water levels have reduced, we will return to inspect the road and reopen the gates as soon as it is safe to do so.
Finding out if the gates are shut or open
The emergency road‑closure gates should always stay locked open unless the road is flooded or likely to flood.
When gates are closed or reopened, we will update you through @TravelSomerset on Twitter. We will also try to keep this webpage up to date.
Why the gates are locked in position
The emergency road closure gates are locked in position, either open or shut, to help keep people safe by reducing the risk of the gates being left in the wrong position. If the gates are left open when the road is flooded this could have serious consequences, while if the gates are shut when the road is not flooded this could cause confusion and unnecessary disruption.
Who can open the emergency road closure gates
If the emergency road closure gates are locked shut then it is for safety reasons and they should only be opened by authorised people. These include Somerset Council highways staff, the emergency services and the Environment Agency, as well as a small number of local people who require essential access.
If you require access through any of the gates or believe that you might in future please contact us as soon as possible on 0300 123 2224 or email RoadClosureGates@somerset.gov.uk.
If you need to unlock a gate in an emergency situation, always dial 999.
If you find a gate that is not locked
Emergency road closure gates should always be locked, either locked open or locked shut. If you find an open or shut gate which is unlocked, please contact us as soon as possible on 0300 123 2224 or by email RoadClosureGates@somerset.gov.uk.
Why the emergency gates must stay closed
Only authorised people who require essential access can open road closure gates. We apologise if this causes inconvenience, but any decision will have to be made to help keep the public safe. Please be patient and seek an alternative route. The gates will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
