THE new Whitehills Roundabout at Jetty Marsh is expected to open during the first half of August, replacing the old triangle junction on Exeter Road.

Drivers using the A382 near Newton Abbot are being advised about changes to their journeys as the new roundabout opens and the next phase of roadworks begins.

But as the roundabout opens, attention will move to Forches Cross, where a section of the A382 will close for about 12 months.

Devon County Council says the closure is needed so the road can be widened, realigned and made safer.

It is the latest stage of the £50 million A382 improvement scheme, which aims to make the road safer, reduce delays and provide better routes for people walking and cycling.

When the roundabout opens, drivers will be able to use it to join the A382 towards Forches Cross, or continue on Exeter Road towards Teigngrace and Kingsteignton.

The exit for the new Jetty Marsh bypass towards Newton Abbot will remain closed for now while the embankment settles before the road is built.

This will not affect traffic using the new roundabout. The link road is due to open in autumn 2027.

Shared walking and cycling paths have also been provided on the roundabout extending current access as far as Stover School.

At Forches Cross, the brow of the hill will be lowered by around three metres to improve visibility, and the Staplehill Road junction will be replaced with a new roundabout and crossing facilities.

A new dedicated right-turn lane will also be provided for Stover School.

A new section of road will be built to the west of the current A382.

The existing road will then become a shared walking and cycling route, linking Newton Abbot with the surrounding area towards Dartmoor.

Access to businesses and properties near Forches Cross will be kept open, with the old Staplehill Road used for access during the closure.

Access to Trago Mills and Stover School will continue on the existing diversion routes via the A383 and Clay Lane/Clay Pits Way. Updated diversion signs will be in place.

Work has already been carried out to help keep the closure as short as possible, including utility diversions for fibre optics, electricity and water, as well as vegetation clearance.

Councillor Jacqueline Fry, Newton Abbot North, said: ‘Residents have been waiting patiently to see progress at Whitehills Roundabout, so its opening will be a positive milestone for the community.

‘I know the next phase of works at Forches Cross will bring some disruption, so it’s essential that residents are kept well informed and supported as these improvements move forward.’

Councillor Sally Morgan, Bovey Rural, said: ‘This is a big scheme and it will take time, but the changes at Forches Cross are needed to make this stretch of road safer.’

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: ‘Opening the new roundabout is a significant step forward and will change how traffic moves through this busy part of the A382.

‘We know roadworks are disruptive, and we are grateful to residents, businesses and road users for their patience while this important work continues.

‘The next phase at Forches Cross is a major piece of work, but it will help make this route safer and more reliable for everyone using it.’

Teignbridge District Council Executive Member for Assets, Economic Development and Major Projects Councillor David Palethorpe said: ‘Opening the Whitehills roundabout is a major step forward for the A382, helping to deliver safer, more reliable journeys and better connections for walking and cycling.’

Further information about closure points, diversion routes and timescales will be available on the scheme website and through project newsletters.