Newton Abbot drivers warned as busy road closes for overnight bridge works
A major Newton Abbot route will shut overnight for footbridge removal, with a diversion via Kingsteignton and access maintained for homes, businesses and Aldi
The main road in and out of Newton Abbot will be closed overnight while a disused footbridge is removed.
The bridge over the railway line on the south side of Torquay Road, opposite the town’s Aldi store, is no longer used and Devon County Council says it has reached the end of its operational life.
The council says its removal is necessary because of its lack of use and ongoing maintenance requirements, helping to ensure public safety and reduce future costs.
The A381, which links the Penn Inn roundabout with the town centre, will be closed from 8pm on Saturday 19 September, until 9am the following morning.
If bad weather or other issues prevent the work from going ahead, the weekends of 26 September and 3 October have been set as contingency dates.
A council statement said: “The road closures are required because the footbridge is located above an active railway line and adjacent to a busy highway.
“Overnight closures ensure that the works can be carried out safely, while reducing the impact on rail services and motorists.”
A diversion route via Kingsteignton will be signposted for traffic travelling in and out of Newton Abbot.
Access to homes, the Brunel Industrial Estate and Aldi will be maintained throughout the closure.
The council says there will be some noise during the work, but it is not expected to exceed normal levels for the area.
Temporary lighting will be directed towards the site to minimise light ‘spillage’, while no significant dust or vibration problems are anticipated.
“Every effort will be made to minimise disturbance wherever possible,” said a county council spokesperson.
The actual lifting of the footbridge, which has been out of use for more than a decade, is expected to take place between 2am and 4am.