Warning of traffic disruption between Exeter and Sidmouth for 19 weeks

South West Water is reminding those who commute between Exeter and Sidmouth to plan now for disruption when a project to replace ageing water mains in Newton Poppleford gets under way in October.

During the £500,000 scheme the water company will be upgrading 1,025 metres of old three-inch concrete water mains o address the issue of frequent bursts in the area.
Work starts on Saturday 5 October and will take 19 weeks.

The A3052, between Venn Ottery Road and King Alfred Way, will be closed to traffic for three weeks from Saturday 5 October until Sunday 27 October. Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place. Two-way traffic lights will be in use for the remainder of the work.

This is likely to cause disruption and delays for traffic travelling between Exeter and Sidmouth. Advance warning notices will be in place six weeks before work starts.

Project manager James Howourth said: "We know that the frequent bursts in the area have been a source of frustration for local residents and businesses. This scheme will address the problem once and for all, although we do appreciate that the three-week road closure will cause inconvenience for commuters.

"There will be minimal interruptions to people's water supplies, and we will notify 48 hours in advance if we need to turn off the supply for any length of time.

"In the meantime, all businesses in the village will remain open and we would urge people to support their local traders during our work.

"The good news is that we have managed to reduce the length of the project from 25 to 19 weeks, and if we identify any ways we can complete the work quicker of course we will do that. In the meantime, we can only apologise to those affected and ask them to be patient with us - we will finish the work as quickly as possible."

Residents and businesses were invited to a drop-in session at the village hall on 21 August, where South West Water staff were on hand to explain the benefits of the scheme and answer questions. Stagecoach South West attended to explain how the scheme will affect their bus services. Representatives from Devon County Council also attended.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “The works at Newton Poppleford are the responsibility of the scheme promoter South West Water. SWW has rightly consulted with Devon County Council in developing its diversion proposals that will enable the essential water main replacement work to go ahead.



"Devon County Council’s role is to co-ordinate works on the highway and make sure that the SWW diversion routes are fit for purpose. So Devon County Council has advised SWW that for large vehicles, similar standard roads should form the diversion route.

"That is why the alternative diversion route for heavy traffic is on the A30 and A375. This approach is to avoid sending unsuitable vehicles down small local roads, which could cause safety and capacity problems.



“With any work of this nature there will always be some disruption but every effort is being made to minimise that disruption, such as the timing of the work which has been agreed by all parties to avoid the Newton Poppleford Carnival.


“The details of the proposed closure are still being finalised by SWW following its public consultation, but Devon County Council will continue to provide transport for all pupils entitled to school transport, for the whole of the road closure period.

Once SWW has finalised the details of the closure, all parents and students will be written to, informing them of any new arrangements, such as alternative transport, that may be required for the duration of the road works.”