Resident seeks answers on long Bideford roadworks

A North Devon resident has spoken out about the disruption caused by ongoing roadworks on Abbotsham Road, which serves as a key route to the A39, Abbotsham, and Bideford. Mary Law, who contacted the Gazette, described the 20-week road closure as “unacceptable” and explained that she felt nearly 90 percent of the first four weeks of the closure saw no work being carried out, despite the extensive impact on residents in Abbotsham and Bideford.

On Devon County Council’s website, it stated that the road closure started on October 7, with an end date of December 20.

There are currently more proposed road works on this road for 2025, as stated on Devon County Council's website. 

Ms Law described the site as “a compound for machinery and a portable loo,” suggesting that covering the worksite with ironwork or installing temporary traffic lights could allow traffic through and reduce the inconvenience. 

“Anyone needing to drive from Bideford to Abbotsham now faces a three-mile detour,” Ms Law explained, adding that families with children attending Bideford College or Abbotsham Primary face significant disruption. 

Buses are being diverted through Moreton Park, a residential area where single-carriageway stretches and potholes create further obstacles.

“Twenty weeks closure is unacceptable especially as work is sporadic,” she said. 

“It needs 24/7 work to get the job done fast.”

In response, The Gazette reached out to South West Water (SWW), who confirmed that they are laying around 670 metres of new sewers to support a development that includes 738 new houses, a school, and a care home. 

SWW explained that coordinating with other utilities is unfeasible due to space limitations at the worksite, with the road closure also allowing other utility companies to complete work during this period, as agreed with Devon County Council.

A spokesperson for South West Water stated: “Due to the location of the sewer in the road, and to protect our teams, we are unable to carry out this work under traffic lights.

We have written to the residents affected by the works, including the college and local councillors.”

They added that residents, including schools and local councillors, were informed in advance, with extra signage put up to provide drivers with as much notice as possible.