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Newton Gridlock: Townspeople demand answers
13 Feb
Summary
- Residents are frustrated by continuous road closures.
- Businesses face serious disruption from the ongoing works.
- Officials cited complex, unavoidable repair overlaps.

Newton Abbot is experiencing significant traffic disruption due to ongoing roadworks and essential repairs. Residents and business owners gathered on Thursday to challenge officials over the "Newton gridlock," which has intensified since the A382's closure in September for works. Further closures are planned for the A383 for approximately 30 weeks.
MP Martin Wrigley described the situation as a "nightmare" that began with the East Street closure in 2024 for gas main replacement. Business owner Linda Shaw highlighted the severe impact on daily life and commerce, noting that preparations for her flower farm, set to open in May, cannot be delayed as plants require constant care.
Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council acknowledged the "significant challenge" posed by coordinating several long-term improvement schemes alongside "immediate and unavoidable repairs." They stated that while extensive planning occurs, unforeseen issues can cause unavoidable overlaps in roadwork schedules, impacting the town's connectivity and accessibility.




