CREDITON District and Town Councillor John Downes has confirmed, following a conversation with iCivils, the contractor working on the A377 resurfacing, that the A377 and Tesco roundabout should re-open on Friday - two weeks earlier than anticipated.

Tarmac not drying and setting due to the heat at Tesco roundabout on July 6.
Tarmac was not drying and setting due to the heat at Tesco roundabout on July 6 and 7. (Adam Boult)

John described it as “good news”.

The contractors have worked through some incredibly hot weather and it is the weather which has caused issues.

For two nights tarmac did not set and the contractor was unable to permit traffic to use it.

Normally the road works are in place from 9am to 4.45pm each day, Monday to Friday but open at other times.

The highway works began on Monday, June 29 and are being completed in three phases by iCivils Ltd on behalf of Tesco Stores Limited.

Details are:

Phase 1 (June 29 to July 24, now anticipated to end early) - works to A377 at the roundabout with Joseph Locke Way and Wellparks Hill.

• A convoy system in operation or manned stop/go boards is allowing the travelling public access to Tesco. This route can also be used via Joseph Locke Way/Station Approach, following the suspension of the Bus Gate prevention of use by motorists. There have been some queues and delays during rush hour times.

Road warning signs in Newton St Cyres. AQ 4439
Road warning signs in Newton St Cyres. AQ 4439 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

• A diversion route is in place from Cowley Bridge to Bickleigh to Crediton.

Some localised one way orders are in place on Hookway Road (Crediton Golf Course) to reach Crediton and Creedy Bridge to the Beer Engine heading towards Exeter. Signage is in place.

Phase 2 (July 27 to August 28) - works to the north of Joseph Locke Way, between the A377 roundabout and the entrance to Tesco store.

Traffic queuing on Monday evening, July 6, during rush hour near the Tesco roundabout.
Traffic queuing on Monday evening, July 6, during rush hour near the Tesco roundabout. (Adam Boult)

• 2 or 3 way lights will manage traffic flow into Tesco.

Phase 3 (August 31 to October 23) - Works to re-surface Joseph Locke Way.

• Along Joseph Locke Way, 2 or 3 way lights will be moved to encompass work as it progresses.

The works include resurfacing the A377, footpaths and kerb remedials.

If you have specific questions or concerns, iCivils and Devon County Council will help - DCC 0345 155 1004 or iCivils 01392 466801.

Buses, cars and lorries are using Station Approach and Joseph Locke Way which is easing Crediton traffic issues. AQ 4454
Buses, cars and lorries are using Station Approach and Joseph Locke Way which is easing Crediton traffic issues. AQ 4454 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)