Update issued after major gas works caused disruption for Exeter drivers

Major gas pipe replacement work that had caused road closures and delays on Dunsford Road in Exeter has been completed ahead of schedule, with the road fully reopened as of 2pm on Wednesday, 26 November.

The project, carried out by Wales & West Utilities, began on 12 November and required the closure of Dunsford Road between the junctions of Heron Road and Perridge Close. 

A diversion route was in place throughout the works, which had led to congestion on surrounding routes during peak times.

The company said the upgrade formed part of a long-term programme to modernise the gas network and replace older metal pipes with more durable plastic ones.

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Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for Devon, Roxanne Whittaker, said: “We have been working in the Dunsford Road area of Exeter to upgrade the gas network. This work is part of our multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme, which began in 2002.” 

“Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.” 

Adding to this, Roxanne said: “It also ensures the gas network can carry more sustainable gases like hydrogen and biomethane in the future.”

Following this, she said that they “started working in the area on 12 Nov and completed, on schedule, on Tuesday this week (25 Nov)”and were working “closely with Devon County Council to plan this project, and to keep people safe while [they] worked.” 

With this, “Dunsford Road was closed between the junctions of Heron Road and Perridge Close. A diversion route was in place, and the public footpaths were kept open.”

"We know working on roads like these is not ideal, and we’re sorry for any disruption that it might have caused, but this work really was essential to keep the gas flowing and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.”

Residents had reported delays along alternative routes during the works, though the early completion has been welcomed locally. 

Devon County Council confirmed that the road is now open in both directions, with normal traffic flow restored.