THE ‘MAYHEM’ for Dawlish drivers is not over yet with more ‘carnage’ to come.

While South West Water is nearing completion of its multi-million pound improvement scheme, work to replace gas pipes and upgrade the network is to restart.

Wales and West Utilities still has several metres of old gas pipes to upgrade in the town which will mean more upheaval.

The work is due to start on April 13 but will involve a further closure of the main A379 from the junction with Elm Grove Road where SWW has been working over the last few months.

This is due to last two weeks but will be followed by up to six weeks of traffic lights on the A379.

County Councillor Rosie Dawson explained the gas pipe replacement is essential.

She said: ‘I know it’s going to be carnage but it is school holidays so at least that’s something to be grateful for.’

And she urged residents: ‘We can help to make this better by planning our journeys and managing our expectations.’

Wales and West had carried out some work at the end of last year along the first section but three-way traffic lights, which worked on a rolling system along Exeter Road, caused major problems.

Cllr Dawson said she had been ‘robust’ to the energy supplier about the town’s previous experiences.

She said: ‘The traffic management last time had part of the road closed when it didn’t need to be and was unmanned and I had to get Devon County highways enforcement involved.’

During that work, verges were dug up including hundreds of daffodils bulbs.

It is understood these will be replaced.

However, the work has to be done to ensure gas supplies to homes and businesses and, Cllr Dawson explained, Wales and West is required to complete the work or be fined.

One of the issues is that one of the main areas of pipe work is directly at the junction of Elm Grove Road with Exeter Road.

Wales and West will be paying bus company Stagecoach to provide a shuttle bus service and details of this are expected to be announced soon.

Cllr Dawson added: ‘This time I am hoping we will talk more.

‘It is good news because we need this infrastructure.

‘We’ve had 15 months of South West Water, we can do this.’

She said from the second week, traffic will be able to access Elm Grove Road from the direction of Dawlish but the A379 will remain closed from Sandy Lane.

After that, there will be five to six weeks of traffic lights along the road.

There are still four kilometres of gas pipe to replace.

Devon County Council has insisted work on the main roads must be completed in time for the summer holidays

Cllr Dawson said: ‘We have got a way to go but by July the main roads will be clear.’

During the previous work, Wales and West said: ‘We’d like to thank the local community and road users for their ongoing patience as our engineers work to upgrade the pipes in the area.

‘We know working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses and make sure the gas network is fit for the future.’