The relevant authorities have been actively managing the ongoing flooding situation on the Muchelney/Langport road, and this update provides information on their efforts over the past few weeks, including water levels, pump repairs, and planned pumping operations.
As of February 28, 2025, the Long Load Main Drain at Huish Episcopi Pumping Station recorded a water level of 2.50 meters, which remains above its typical range of 0.94 to 2.06 meters. This has continued to keep the road impassable.
Huish Episcopi Pumping Station originally had three operational pumps going into winter, but one has recently failed and needs to be removed for repairs.
To maintain capacity, contingency pumps are being deployed from national stocks and will be installed at Huish Episcopi starting March 10th (or thereabouts) to compensate while the failed pump is being repaired.
Pumping resumed at Huish Episcopi this morning, following the opening of Monksleaze Clyse at 22:00 last night, which diverted water into the Parrett relief channel and created capacity in the River Yeo to receive floodwater.
Water is now actively being moved from the moors around Muchelney, with priority being given to restoring access to the Muchelney-Langport road as soon as possible.
A few days of dry weather after Wednesday should allow river levels to stabilise, helping to sustain pumping operations.
Additional pumps, including those at Midelney, continue to assist in managing water levels.
The Environment Agency and local flood management teams are coordinating efforts to ensure safe and effective drainage.
Further updates will be provided as pumping continues and water levels continue to lower.
Highways provided an update regarding the flood gates at the meeting, which will remain physically open throughout the winter, with the management approach to be reassessed next winter. This decision was influenced by ongoing vandalism and unauthorised actions that resulted in damage to surrounding areas and infrastructure. The road will remain closed when flooded despite the gates being open, with appropriate signage in place. These incidents underline the importance of coordinated and approved measures to ensure community safety and effective flood management. The possibility of removing the gates entirely and replacing them with signage will be discussed further by Highways internally.