A damaged major road connecting Devon and Somerset will finally be repaired before Christmas.
Since July 2021, motorists travelling across on the A30 across the Devon-Somerset border have had to contend with temporary lights at Crawley Farm, located between Chard and Yarcombe.
The lights were installed by Devon County Council following a landslip which threatened the eastbound carriageway, with motorists facing delays of several minutes ever since.
The council confirmed in April that it would be spending around £400,000 on a new scheme to repair the road, which would get under way in the autumn.
Highway officers have now confirmed that work will begin under the temporary traffic lights on October 14 and the road will completely reopen by November 30.
The lights were installed by Devon County Council following a landslip. (Image: Daniel Mumby)
The A30 serves as the main road between Chard and Honiton, as well as providing a crucial diversionary route when the A303 around Ilminster is congested.
It also provides one of the main thoroughfares through the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), with the closed section being in close proximity to both the Ferne Animal Sanctuary and the popular South Somerset Holiday Park.
The council said the road closure had been necessary to prevent traffic heading into Somerset from weakening the bank further, which could put motorists, pedestrians and the nearby farm at risk.
A spokesman said: “This scheme will involve the stabilisation of the bank slip below the A30, with the work to be completed predominantly under two-way traffic lights.
“Road closures will be required for certain activities during the works. These are likely to be for a couple of days at a time (possibly up to a week) and the public to be notified in advance.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here