Council urges people to be aware of disruption on roads

Devon County Council is urging people to travel with extreme care today and to be prepared for the possibility of disruption on some of Devon’s roads.

There has been torrential rainfall across the county overnight and this morning, with Ivybridge, Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Exton and parts of East Devon hardest hit.

Heavy downpours and strong winds are forecast to continue throughout today and the County Council is advising people to be aware of surface water, flooding, debris and damage on the highway network.

The road near Ashburton Primary School has partially collapsed and teams are already on site assessing the damage. The School has been closed.

There have been landslips on the A383 near Bickington, Willow Park Lane in Kingskerswell and the A379 near Shaldon where there is also a fallen tree. Luscombe Hill in Dawlish has also been blocked by a fallen tree.

Among the roads affected by flooding are the B3179 Clyst St George to Woodbury, A375 at Sidbury, A3052 at Newton Poppleford, Pound Lane at Uplyme and the A386 Weare Gifford.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Our highways teams are working hard to deal with a number of incidents - flooding, landslips, fallen trees, and blocked roads so do expect the possibility of delays but we are trying to minimise disruption as much as possible. We would urge everyone travelling this morning to be aware of surface water and not to drive through floodwater. With rain expected to continue there is the potential for more disruption, particularly as we head towards high tide at lunchtime, so motorists should drive with extreme caution and stick to the main road network where possible.”

10 Flood Warnings remain in force, with the River Otter bursting its banks at Otterton.

For more information and travel advice from Devon County Council visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel or for updates on Twitter follow @HughHOCC and @Devonroads