A380 Telegraph Hill to close from 3pm

With widespread snowfall across the county, Devon County Council has announced it will close the A380 Telegraph Hill from 3pm today (Thursday 1 March) as a precautionary measure.

The decision to close the A380 between Splatford Split and Eagle Farm, has been taken as part of the Haldon/Telegraph Hill plan. Highways England will continue treating the A38 Haldon Hill, and Devon County Council will focus its efforts on keeping traffic moving on the alternative coastal road, A379 (Dawlish/Teignmouth).

The Met Office has issued a red warning for heavy snow across most of the county today, which could make travelling conditions treacherous. Devon County Council is advising people not to drive this afternoon and overnight.

Although most routes are currently passable with care, conditions are deteriorating as the day progresses.

Up to 30cm of snow is forecast to fall widely this afternoon, with the potential of up to 50cm on high ground at Dartmoor and Exmoor and forecasts of freezing rain tonight will make roads hazardous.

All main salting routes have been treated twice overnight and Devon’s fleet of gritters have been out again this morning. Snow ploughs are also clearing routes in North Devon and parts of South Devon.

The County Council is working with partner agencies, and together with Devon and Cornwall Police and Highways England, the Haldon/Telegraph Hill forward control point has been manned with additional resources since this morning.

The County Council’s Highway Operations Control Centre has received calls of snow drifting on several routes on Exmoor and the South Hams, including the A39 at Parracombe, A399 at Blackmore Gate, as well as roads into Thurlestone, East Allington and Bigbury.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “We’re forecast to get unprecedented levels of snow and because of that we’re having to take this preventative measure to ensure people do not get stranded on Telegraph Hill. All of Devon County Council’s highways resources are being deployed with this snow event and snowfall is steadily increasing. Our priority is to keep the main road network moving as best we can, so we won’t have the resources to be able clear any minor routes.

“Public safety is of paramount importance and we hope that people heed the warnings we’re receiving from the Met Office. Please be aware that you could be putting your life at risk if you travel during the hours of darkness.”

Devon County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel as roads are expected to be hazardous this evening with less traffic, colder temperatures and freezing rain;
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over. NHS Choices has more information on staying healthy during cold weather;
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you are stocked with food and medications
For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @DevonAlert