Okehampton roadworks update after safety fears force Wales and West rethink

Drivers in Okehampton are being advised to take extra care as a key route through the town has reopened following recent disruption caused by roadworks.

Councillor James Grainger has confirmed that utility company Wales and West have reopened a west-to-east route through the town after agreeing to return to the original traffic plan approved with Devon County Council.

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In a public update, Cllr Grainger said he had “been able to convince Wales and West to reopen a west-to-east route in town and revert back to the original plan agreed with Devon County Council.”

The route was previously closed after serious safety concerns were raised.

“Wales and West were forced to change the agreed plan after over 200 cars drove the wrong way up Crediton Road,” he said. “The police and Wales and West agreed it was too dangerous to allow traffic to continue.”

While police, highways officers and the contractors believed congestion was largely caused by driver error, Cllr Grainger said the number of mistakes showed that something was not working.

“When so many people are making mistakes, it’s important to ask why mistakes are made,” he said. “I felt that if signs were clearer, drivers would not get confused and make mistakes.”

Signage has now been improved, and Wales and West have agreed to try reopening the route again.

However, Cllr Grainger issued a strong warning to drivers not to ignore road signs.

“I need to be explicitly clear, there will be zero tolerance to drivers ignoring the no-entry signs,” he said. “Wales and West are very reluctant to take this chance again and will close the road without consultation if signs are ignored.”

He added: “I urge all drivers to take care and please do not be the person to ruin it for everyone else.”

The route will need to close again in a few weeks when further work takes place outside Wong’s Chinese restaurant. Cllr Grainger confirmed that Wong’s remains open.

Residents have welcomed the update but have also urged drivers to follow the rules.

One resident commented: “Thank you for persuading them to give it another go. And for goodness sake, people of Okehampton, let’s not give them cause to change their mind.”

However, several drivers said they remain confused about how to get in and out of the town.

One resident said: “Thank you, but I am still confused. I get the route in, despite confusing signage. Do we still have to exit via the A30? I have stopped going in because I can’t get out.”

In response, Cllr Grainger clarified the current routes.

“West to east: past Wong’s, up Northfield Road, turn right,” he said. “East to west: down Crediton Road, turn right onto Northfield Road, then left onto North Street.”

Another resident said “it was open at 8:20ish when I came through and it worked well, traffic was flowing ok.”

Drivers are being urged to read signs carefully, follow directions exactly, and allow extra time for journeys while roadworks continue.