Town Council says Newton Abbot stays open for business despite County’s insistence on lengthy road closure

An imminent lengthy closure of a main road in and out of Newton Abbot has prompted Newton Abbot Town Council to speak up on behalf of businesses and residents.

The A382 between the town and A38 at Drumbridges is due to be upgraded with work, overseen by Devon County Council, scheduled to start on September 25.

A section at Whitehill will close for a year to allow construction of a new roundabout, followed immediately by another year’s closure on the stretch between Forches Cross and Stover.

Access to businesses will be maintained while signs will advise motorists on the quickest diversions.

But the scheme’s details have been questioned.

Mark Amphlett, Chair of Newton Abbot Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘We are deeply concerned about the scale and duration of the upcoming road closures around Newton Abbot.

‘Local businesses are already facing significant pressures, and any prolonged disruption to access risks further damaging footfall, trade, and the overall confidence of both customers and investors in our town.

‘Newton Abbot relies heavily on convenient transport links to keep our high street, retail parks, and industrial estates thriving.

‘We urge the relevant authorities to work closely with local businesses, to explore measures such as phased works, improved signage, and strong publicity campaigns that encourage people to continue shopping and trading in Newton Abbot during this period.

‘With the right collaboration, we can protect the vitality of our local economy while ensuring these essential infrastructure works are completed successfully.’

Newton Abbot Mayor Cllr Colin Parker said ‘real worries’ had been voiced and added: ‘The protracted closures are a significant concern for residents and businesses. Devon County Council and the contractor, M Group, have been engaging with businesses along the route to inform them and integrate their feedback into the traffic management plans.

‘Whilst the upgrading and realignment of the A382 with the intended aims of improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting potential future development in the area are acknowledged as the long-term envisioned benefits, the immediate concern for many is navigating the daily disruption during the construction period.’

Pierre Doutreligne, Newton Abbot Town Council’s Projects and Strategy Officer, said: ‘I know from attending the county council’s drop-in session how these essential roadworks are already generating heated discussions and upsetting many but it is equally essential to drill home the message that Newton Abbot remains open for business.

‘The town council will gladly help facilitate any discussion around how best to offset or address the inconveniences caused by the road closures.

‘I also strongly encourage everyone - commuters, traders, shoppers - to make the most of all the proactive communication methods offered by Devon County Council.

'We have been assured that the dedicated A382 Improvement Scheme website (devon.cc/a382) will be updated in real time and that the email address a382@milestoneinfra.co.uk will deal with any queries not covered by the website’s FAQ page.