WORK to upgrade gas pipes in the Exeter Road area of Dawlish its progressing well, according to Wales & West Utilities.

The gas emergency and pipeline service began the project last month and is on track to complete the first section of work at the junction of High Street and Exeter Road at the end of next week, December 14.

This will signal the removal of the manned three-way traffic lights on the junction, and these will be followed by rolling two-way traffic lights as work progresses from High Street to Warren Road.

The work has caused major disruption to drivers and residents and has been ongoing while major work by South West Water is also disrupting the town.

Traffic lights will be in place until the scheme finishes at the end of January next year. Wales & West Utilities says it has worked closely with Devon County Council to plan the project, and the work is vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses across the area - helping to keep people warm for decades to come.

Wales & West Utilities’ Roxanne Whittaker is managing this gas pipe upgrade work and said:

‘We appreciate that the initial phase of work at the junction of High Street and Exeter Road has been the most challenging and disruptive part of this essential upgrade project, and we are pleased to report that we are on track to finish this section of work by the end of next week.

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

‘While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community.’