TRAFFIC management arrangements for the A382 improvement scheme are being revised as work moves into its next major phase.

With construction of the new roundabout at Whitehills Cross nearing completion and progressing ahead of schedule, focus will now shift to Forches Cross, where a further roundabout, additional junction improvements, and the next section of shared-use path will be built.

As a result, road closure points across the scheme are changing.

The existing closure at Whitehills Junction will be lifted, restoring access along Exeter Road up to Forches Cross via the newly constructed roundabout.

However, a new closure will be introduced between Forches Cross and Stover School.

This is expected to remain in place for around nine months before being revised as works progress.

A further closure will also be implemented at Teigngrace to prevent drivers using the village as a rat-run during the works.

Devon County Council said it had considered the use of temporary traffic signals to manage the works, but explained that the scale of excavation required in some areas made it unsafe and impractical to keep the road open.

The potential impact of different approaches, including traffic signals and closures with diversions, was assessed using traffic simulation modelling; the option involving full closures was found to result in the least overall disruption.

The approach is also expected to reduce the overall construction programme by around one year.

The council confirmed that all properties and businesses along the affected route will remain accessible throughout the works.

Two diversion routes will be signposted, using local landmarks to help drivers navigate.

Traffic conditions on the diversion routes will be closely monitored, with information displayed on digital message signs to guide drivers towards the quickest available route at any given time.

So far, significant progress has already been made on the scheme.

This includes the construction of a new roundabout at Whitehills Cross, excavation of a flood compensation area, completion of an embankment for the new link road, and the diversion of seven utility services to prepare the site for further development.

The wider improvement programme aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide enhanced active travel routes through upgrades and realignment between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse).

The scheme also includes the development of the Jetty Marsh Link Road, which will connect West Gold’s Way to the A382.

Key improvements include road widening and realignment between Stover and Forches Cross, the construction of new roundabouts at Whitehills Cross and Forches Cross, a new link road at Jetty Marsh, an extended shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians and a dedicated right-turn at Stover School.