A main road into Bovey Tracey, closed to allow emergency repairs to a collapsed sewer, will now remain shut longer than planned.

Le Molay-Littry Way (B3344), Bovey Tracey, closed to through traffic between Fore Street and Old Orchard on Wednesday, September 13 and South West Water expected the works would be completed by the end of the month.

However, excavations have shown the extent of the sewer collapse to be greater than anticipated, and the road will now remain closed until Friday, October 13.

South West Water project manager James Howourth explained: ‘Unfortunately now that we’ve been able to dig down and expose the sewer, we have discovered that a much longer section needs replacing – 35m instead of the 15m we could see with CCTV. 

‘We appreciate that extending the road closure will cause more inconvenience, but we will continue to work with local businesses, bus companies and the council to ensure disruption is kept to an absolute minimum during this essential work. 

‘We will do our best to ensure the repair is completed as soon as possible.’

The current signed diversion route will remain in place.