Major North Devon road remains closed for a month after storm

Devon County Council has confirmed to the Gazette that the A386 near Weare Giffard will remain closed for approximately four weeks while a permanent repair scheme is carried out.

The road was shut earlier this month after Storm Goretti brought down several large trees on a section between Beam Quarry and Beam House. 

The fallen trees also caused a landslip, leaving mud and debris blocking the highway.

Since 9 January, engineers have been assessing the site to determine the best approach to reopening the route. 

Temporary measures, such as reopening a single lane under traffic signals, were considered but ultimately a permanent repair scheme was chosen.

Work on the scheme began on Monday 19 January, with contractors set to install debris netting on the sloped embankment. 

The closure will remain in place to allow safe access for drilling machinery.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Our highways teams were weighing up a few options but it was decided that undertaking a permanent repair scheme now will minimise disruption and will also be more cost effective. Although the road is expected to be closed for a further four weeks, it will mean that road users won’t have to put up with temporary lights before closing the road again at a later date to carry out the work. We would ask people to please bear with us. Every effort is being made to carry out these essential repairs as quickly as possible, but hopefully everyone can see it makes sense to get this scheme completed under the current closure.”

Diversions are in place, and the council is considering additional traffic management options in Monkleigh. 

Access from the south to local businesses including the Puffing Billy Café, Tarka Valley Railway, and Torrington Cycle Hire remains open.

The council is also using the closure to carry out routine maintenance, such as pothole repairs and gully emptying, to reduce future disruption.