GOOD progress is being made on major repair works on the A382 near Lustleigh, with Devon County Council confirming the project remains on schedule following the start of work earlier this month.

The road was closed on July 20 to allow crews to carry out retaining wall repairs, drainage improvements and resurfacing work.

The closure is expected to remain in place until August 28.

According to the county council, the first phase of the project has gone well.

Contractors have removed vegetation, fencing and the earth above the damaged retaining wall, while excavation work is now underway ahead of the construction of the new wall.

The council said low water levels in Wray Brook have also helped the scheme progress smoothly, making it easier to divert the watercourse and allowing work to continue without interruption.

Drainage improvements are also advancing well, with the full road closure enabling crews to work safely and efficiently.

Devon County Council has released photographs showing the extent of the excavation and says further images will be shared as work reaches its deepest point.

The authority hopes the pictures will help explain why the project could not be completed using temporary traffic lights instead of a full road closure.

The closure continues to affect public transport in the area. Country Bus service 178 is operating to a temporary timetable and is being diverted via the Teign Valley, meaning it is unable to serve Lustleigh while the works are underway.

To help maintain connections, Devon County Council has arranged a free replacement taxi service between Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey.

The service, operated by Price First Taxis, must be booked at least one working day in advance by calling 01803 322322.

The council says it is pleased with the progress made so far and will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.