A396 roadworks to cause weeks of disruption
Work to replace a safety barrier and road surfacing on the A396, north of Cove, Tiverton, will begin on Monday January 25 and last 16 weeks.
The works will seriously disrupt traffic travelling between West Somerset and Mid Devon.
Throughout this period a mixture of traffic management will be used including traffic signals with a convoy vehicle and road closures.
During periods the road will be closed to traffic entirely. During the times that the road is closed, traffic will be directed to a designated diversion route which will be towards Tiverton, via the A361, B3227 and vice versa.
Signs will give local residents and businesses advance warning of any road closures and the diversion route.
Devon County Council has commissioned South West Highways Ltd to carry out this essential maintenance work.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management said: “Thank you to those who attended the recent information days in Dulverton and Bampton before Christmas.
“During the work temporary traffic lights will be put in place and there will be periods when the road is closed, to ensure the workforce can safely access the areas needed.
“We have written to many residents and businesses and when the road is going to be closed we will place signs on the road in advance to inform local residents and businesses.”
Cllr Polly Colthorpe, local County Councillor for Tiverton West said: “As a result of the feedback more passing places are being added on Old Tiverton Road between Tiverton and Bampton. During some of the works that would originally have required road closures, the traffic will now be managed through a mixture of traffic lights and a convoy system.
“Although there will still be periods when it will be necessary to close the A396 entirely, overall the disruption should be significantly reduced thanks to those of you who contributed to the information days.
“I am grateful to Jacobs, the contractors, for listening and taking on board suggestions to assist through this difficult period.”
A dedicated website has been set up to provide information for the public about the works https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/a396-at-cove
