Traffic signals to be replaced at Sidford Cross

Traffic signals at Sidford Cross are due to be replaced later this year, with preparatory work scheduled to be carried out next month.

Devon County Council is currently finalising the scheme which will upgrade the traffic signals at the junction of the A3052/A375 Sidford Cross, as well as the pedestrian crossing on the A3052 near to the junction.

Initial work to replace traffic detection systems, located in the road and pavements around the crossroads, is expected to start in mid-June and will take up to three weeks. 

Temporary four-way traffic signals, which will operate the same as the existing lights or be manually controlled, will be needed while this work is undertaken. They will not be in use overnight.

The existing light units will remain in place during this first phase of the upgrade. The new traffic signals, which use LED extra low voltage equipment, are expected to be replaced in the autumn.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Local Councillor for Sidmouth, said: “The signals on the crossroads are around 20 years old and need to be replaced. This is a busy A-road crossroads which is unique in Devon and it’s important that the lights are upgraded so that they are as reliable as possible. The new equipment will help our ongoing efforts to reduce our energy use, and the work is being planned to be carried out in two phases, either side of the summer holidays, in order to minimise disruption.”