ESSENTIAL repair work on two A38 viaducts near Buckfastleigh is set to bring months of traffic restrictions and overnight closures for motorists travelling through the area.

National Highways is carrying out joint replacement and drainage works on the Whitecleave and Mardle viaducts as part of a major programme designed to improve the long-term safety and reliability of the route.

The work is due to begin on September 2 and continue until January 27, with a series of lane restrictions, overnight closures and temporary traffic signals planned.

National Highways said some of the bridge joints at the two viaducts have deteriorated in recent years and have occasionally failed.

Short-term repairs have been carried out to extend their serviceable life while a permanent replacement scheme was developed.

The latest work is intended to provide a longer-term solution and reduce the need for future emergency repairs and unplanned closures.

Work on both structures is being carried out at the same time in an attempt to reduce the overall impact on motorists and the local community.

During the daytime, some of the noisier work will take place at Whitecleave viaduct, while other activities will be carried out overnight to limit disruption to road users.

The main traffic management measures will begin at 8pm on September 2.

From then until 6am on December 21, lane closures will operate around the clock between Dartbridge and Lower Dean.

Drivers will have one narrow lane in each direction, with a 40mph speed limit enforced by average speed cameras.

There will also be a series of overnight closures of the A38 and associated slip roads between Dartbridge and Marley Head in both directions.

These closures will operate from 8pm to 6am on weeknights, Monday to Friday, during several periods: September 2 to October 23, November, 2 to 4, December 14 to 20 from 10.30pm, and January 4 to 25.

The official diversion route will be via Dartington, using the A384 and A385.

Access will be maintained for properties directly within the closure area.

National Highways said there will also be some local variations to the traffic arrangements, including earlier westbound closures from Peartree on September 2 to 4 and October 22 to 23 while traffic management is installed or removed.

Temporary traffic signals will also be introduced on Old Totes Road between September 17 and 22, although National Highways said these dates could change.

Further lane closures are planned from September 3 until December 20.

National Highways has acknowledged that the timing of the works could cause frustration, particularly during periods when traffic levels are already high.

The organisation said it normally schedules major works to avoid busy periods such as school holidays, Christmas, Easter and peak getaway weekends.

However, some elements of the viaduct project are dependent on weather conditions.

Concrete repairs, for example, cannot be completed during colder winter conditions, while the specialist bridge joints being installed at one of the sites can only be fitted within a specific temperature range.

National Highways said the work needs to be completed before the existing joints reach the end of their serviceable life.

Drivers have been urged to allow extra time for journeys and follow the official signed diversion routes rather than relying on satellite navigation or attempting to use local roads as shortcuts.