EXPECTED traffic chaos across roadworks-swamped Newton Abbot has failed to materialise this week.

Fears of the town’s very own ‘carmageddon’ vanished in Monday morning’s rush-hour which revealed motorists had heeded warnings to avoid possible bottlenecks.

Congestion was conspicuous by it absence with parts of Newton Abbot reported to be ‘unusually quiet’ both on and off the road.

The ‘perfect storm’ was more of a passing light shower with traffic moving surprisingly smoothly in and out of the town.

One commuter said: ‘I was expecting a few problems so I left home early only to find I was cruising through the town. It was much less busy than usual. I think it being the schools’ half-term helped a bit.’

Another commented: ‘Everything has been OK, although I hope I’m not speaking too soon.’

No major problems were reported around the ‘troublespots’ where maintenance work is being carried out – Wolborough Street, Ashburton Road and the Ware Barton junction on the A380 at Kingsteignton.