Delays expected after burst water main

It's happened on the A3052 Sidmouth Road near Exeter

Motorists are being warned to expect heavy delays after a burst water main on one of the main roads into Exeter.

Two-way traffic lights are being set up on the A3052 Sidmouth Road between Crealy and the Esso garage.

A South West Water spokesman said: “We will be repairing a burst water main under temporary two-way traffic lights on the A3052 Sidmouth Road near the Esso garage between the Halfway Inn and Greendale Farm Shop.

“The lights are being set up now. We hope to complete the repair by 6pm. Reinstatement of the road will start as soon as the repair is complete to ensure the road is fully open for the weekend.

“While very few customers’ water supplies are affected we appreciate the lights are likely to cause traffic disruption during the rush hour and for this we apologise.”

Devon County Council took to Twitter to also warn motorists of delays. They said: “Two way traffic lights are being set up on  the A3052 Sidmouth Road. There will be emergency works starting now and continuing over the weekend, so expect heavy delays.”

It is one of a number of problems motorists are facing on the roads around Devon on Friday afternoon.

Tree felling works are currently taking place on the A380 northbound around the Splatford Split leading to long delays for motorists heading north.

There is also heavy traffic on the M5 around Exeter, the A30 around Pathfinder Village, on the A35 and the A30 near Honiton, and long delays and stop-start traffic on M5 Northbound from J27 A361 (Tiverton) to J21 A370 (Weston-super-mare), with travel time is 1 hour 50 minutes.

Devon County Council is asking road users to travel with care this weekend, as strong winds and heavy rain are forecast.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for highways, said: “Strong winds are likely to make driving difficult for high-sided vehicles and caravans, and trees are also likely to feel the impact.

“Gusts will bring down tree debris, and could bring down branches and indeed any trees that may already be in a weakened state.

“Rain as well, heavy at times Friday, could cause localised surface flooding on roads.

“We’re asking people to remember not to attempt to drive through roads that have been temporarily closed, or floodwater, and to be aware of the likelihood of debris on the highway.

“Motorists should drive with caution and remember in wet conditions stopping distances will increase.

“Plan your journey this weekend and allow extra time.

“Our contractors are on standby with extra resources to cope with the conditions. We’ll be closely monitoring the highway around the clock throughout the weekend.”