Major road closures to hit Exeter–Exmouth route as resurfacing and gas works continue

Drivers in and around Exeter are being warned to expect disruption next week as a key section of the A376 Exeter Road undergoes overnight resurfacing works.

Devon County Council has confirmed that the A376 will be fully closed between East Drive and just south of the petrol station from Monday 8 December to Monday 15 December. 

The closure will be in place each night from 8pm until 7am, with signed diversions operating throughout. 

Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for journeys between Exeter and Exmouth.

The night-time works coincide with ongoing gas pipe upgrades on the same route further along the coast in Dawlish, where Wales & West Utilities is continuing its multi-month project to replace ageing infrastructure.

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The gas emergency and pipeline service said it remains on schedule to complete the most disruptive phase of the Dawlish scheme (at the junction of High Street and Exeter Road) by 14 December. 

The removal of the manned three-way lights will then be followed by rolling two-way traffic controls as engineers work from High Street toward Warren Road. 

Temporary lights are expected to remain in place until the scheme concludes at the end of January.

Wales & West Utilities, which planned the project jointly with Devon County Council, said the work is essential to keeping the local gas network safe and reliable.

Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the upgrade, said: “We appreciate that the initial phase of work at the junction of High Street and Exeter Road has been the most challenging and disruptive part of this essential upgrade project, and we are pleased to report that we are on track to finish this section of work by the end of next week.

“We’d like to thank the local community and road users for their ongoing patience as our engineers work to upgrade the pipes in the area.”

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.”

The company said the upgraded pipes will help ensure households and businesses across the area can rely on stable gas supplies “for decades to come.”

With resurfacing works, diversions and ongoing utilities upgrades affecting routes between Exeter, Exmouth and Dawlish, residents are encouraged to plan travel carefully in the run-up to the Christmas period.