A382 improvements progressing well

Improvements on the A382 between Drumbridges and Newton Abbot are progressing well.

Traffic has now been switched onto sections of the newly-constructed road so that the existing route can be altered where necessary.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place to ensure this work can be undertaken safely. The lights will be manually operated to reduce queuing, and they will be removed when not in use.

Recent work on the scheme has included the installation of kerbstones, along the northside of the road, as well work being carried out on culverts.

Landscaping has been carried out around the sustainable drainage ponds, and other associated drainage work.

A number of utility services and chambers have also been installed and diverted.

Resurfacing will be carried out on the route in October and November. The road will be closed between Ringslade and Whitehills from Monday 2 November to Sunday 15 November. It will then close between Ringslade and Forches Cross from Monday 16 November until Sunday 29 November.

This first phase of the A382 widening scheme, which aims to improve safety and unlock economic growth, is being funded by Devon County Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP) and Teignbridge District Council.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development, said: “This scheme is really taking shape now and you can start to see what the road will eventually look like. The teams on site are making good progress and while there may be some disruption from road closures in November every effort is being made to keep that to a minimum, so please bear with us.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “It is great to see this important project making progress. The alterations will improve safety and journey times to Newton Abbot and enable people at the new housing development to cycle and walk the route as well as drive. We’ve invested £6.5m of our Growth Deal funding into the scheme, which is anticipated to generate 1000 jobs and 1200 new homes by 2021.”

Councillor Martin Wrigley, Teignbridge Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Communities, said: “It’s really good news to see the scheme progressing so well, and I am sure that the end result will be worth the inconvenience caused during the work. In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone for their continued patience while the next phase of the work is carried out.”

Councillor George Gribble, Devon County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said: “I would like to thank people for their patience and understanding for what will soon be seen and appreciated by all users of this very well used road.”

Councillor Jackie Hook, Devon County Councillor for Newton Abbot North, said: “The A382 improvements will result in a high-quality link with a shared cycle/pedestrian route, replacing a route that had a high accident rate and was unsuitable for walking and cycling. These closures are necessary and whilst I understand road closures are frustrating, this being my route to work also, they are needed to complete the project as soon as possible.”

Contractor Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, is carrying out the work on behalf of Devon County Council.