A KEY road in and out of Newton Abbot could close for a year as the final phase of work to improve the A382 looks to get underway.
Devon County Council (DCC) has said it is looking at a 12-month closure of the A382 should it receive funding from central government for its final phase of improvement work.
A Devon County Council spokesperson said: ‘We have been discussing with local businesses about a potential road closure that will be needed if we receive funding approval to develop the new Jetty Marsh link road and a new roundabout at Whitehills.
‘Subject to funding from the Department for Transport, we're aiming to start these improvements this autumn, which means the proposed closures have to be published at this stage, as roadworks have to be booked at least three months in advance.
‘If the project goes ahead, we're looking at a 12-month closure of the A382. Traffic modelling has shown that closing the road will allow the length of the construction programme to be shortened and reduces impact on journey times.
‘Real time journey time information on a choice of diversion routes would be displayed on a number of variable messaging signs in the area, to give the travelling public information to plan their journeys.
‘However, the only potential closure planned for Ringslade Road is southbound, also for approximately 12 months.
‘It would remain open northbound (outbound).’
Phase 3 involves construction of a single carriageway between the Trago Mills roundabout and Forches Cross, as well as an upgrade of the junction at Forches Cross, including a signalised crossing.
The work also involves a new shared use path along the A382 and improvements at Whitehill Cross and Churchills Roundabout.
