HIGHWAYS officers and contractors working on the scheme to improve the A382 are holding a public information event.

Due to start at the end of this September and involving closure of the road for up to two years, the scheme will upgrade and re-align the A382 between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse) and develop Jetty Marsh Link road and Whitehills roundabout to help ease congestion, improve safety and encourage active travel.

To carry out this work the A382 will be closed at Whitehills junction for 11 months.

Once the roundabout is complete, work will move to Forches Cross, which will be closed for a further 12 months.

Devon County Council and contractor M Group have discussed the scheme with businesses affected along the route to make them aware of the traffic management options that have been explored.

Feedback has already helped development of the traffic management plans.

Plans will be on show at a drop-in event at Newton’s Place from 2pm to 7pm on Tuesday September 9 where people will be able to speak to the project team.

Plans will be displayed at Newton Abbot Library for the rest of the month and information leaflets are being sent to residents.

Traffic simulation technology was used to assess the potential impact on traffic for the travelling public, through the use of temporary traffic lights and road closures with diversions.

This modelling showed the solution resulting in the least disruption was road closures with two diversion options.

Traffic flow would be quicker and more reliable using diversions rather multiple sets of temporary traffic lights.

It also reduces construction time by a year compared with using temporary lights.

To ensure diversion route options via the A383 and B3193 are able to cope with re-directed traffic, a number of other interventions will be introduced. These will include: reprogramming existing traffic lights; making Greycoat Lane one way; closure of Ringslade Road southbound and traffic signals at the junction of Clay Lane/Clay Pits Way.