DEVON Highways has confirmed that it is to begin works to reinstate the carriageway on Station Road, Newton St Cyres, after it was washed away by flooding as a result of Storm Chandra on Tuesday, January 27.

Large areas of the surface of the tarmac road between the village and the Recreation Ground were washed away by the force of the floodwater.

One of the smaller sections of roadway which has been washed away by the floodwater. AQ 3189
One of the smaller sections of roadway which has been washed away by the floodwater. AQ 3189 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

An area of damaged road surface at Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3195
An area of damaged road surface at Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3195 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Members of Newton St Cyres Community Emergency Group swiftly put up road closed signs to prevent people from driving into the floods as the situation became serious.

Devon Highways, for the safety of the general public, said a road closure will be in place until Friday, February 6 to enable works to reinstate the carriageway to be carried out.

It said that an engineer visited the site on Wednesday, January 28, where it was discovered that extensive structural damage has been caused by the recent flooding.

Flood and road closure signs in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3219
Flood and road closure signs in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3219 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

It said: “Whilst there is visible damage to the road surface, extensive damage as occurred to the road edge supports and the areas beneath the tarmac are hollow.

“Excavation on these areas is required to assess the extent of damage so long-term repairs can be made to the areas.

“Progress in the design and planning of remedial works is nearing completion, with site clearance and the reconstruction of the edge of the road to commence on Friday, January 30, and the aim to deliver patching works the week commencing Monday, February 2.”

One of the signs put out in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3174
One of the signs put out in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3174 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Devon Highways issued road diversions and added that drivers with local knowledge may use alternative routes but these will not be advertised for safety reasons.

The alternative, signed route for vehicles is: Station Cross to Wyke Cross, Shute Cross to Wyke Cross, Shute Cross to Jackmoor Cross, Road from Jackmoor Cross to Langford, Langford Road, A377 and vice versa.

Devon Highways added: “Any changes to the start date or duration will be shown on advisory signs on site. We will do our best to complete the work quickly and minimise disruption. Your co-operation and understanding are greatly appreciated.”

Information on current and planned roadworks can be found on the Causeway one.network: https://one.network

A badly damaged section of road in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3200
A badly damaged section of road in Station Road, Newton St Cyres. AQ 3200 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)