National Highways is investing more than £10 million in the A38 in Devon, with a series of improvements planned over the next year.
Work is due to start next month on refurbishing the Whitecleave and Mardle viaducts near Buckfastleigh. The project also includes drainage improvements between Ivybridge and Lee Mill, tree clearance along the route, and resurfacing on the eastbound carriageway between the Peartree interchange and Goodstone junction.
The agency said the investment, along with a separate scheme to upgrade electronic signage on overhead gantries at Kennford, will support the long-term safety and reliability of a route that carries up to 24,000 vehicles daily in each direction.
The first phase, replacing expansion joints and improving drainage on the two viaducts, is set to begin in September and finish by the end of January. The bridge joints are designed to handle thermal expansion, contraction and traffic loads. After a number of recent repairs, National Highways said a full refurbishment and replacement scheme will improve the long-term reliability of the structures and reduce the need for future maintenance closures.
Repairs will be done in phases. During the work, the A38 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction with enforceable 40mph speed limits in place for the safety of workers and drivers, and to keep traffic moving. Full overnight closures will run weeknights from 8pm to 6am between September 2 and October 24, with extra night closures in November, December and from January 4 to January 25. Diversions will be in place via the A384 and A385.
Route Manager Ed Halford said: “Many of the structures we manage were built over half a century ago and now need renewing or replacing to ensure they remain fit and safe for purpose.
“It’s essential that we futureproof the viaducts now, to ensure their reliability and to limit the need for future maintenance work, and along with the other works, and further renewal plans for the A38, this represents a significant investment in this busy route.
“We appreciate roadworks can impact on people’s journeys, and we’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption, by keeping lanes running in each direction while work takes place during the day and by working overnight when traffic levels are at their lowest.
“In the meantime, we thank drivers and local communities in advance for their patience and advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys through the works.”
The drainage work between Ivybridge and Lee Mill will address a flooding hot spot where surface water has been seen during heavy rain. It is due to start in November, with a contraflow on the dual carriageway until the following October. Further details will be announced once finalised.
Tree clearance along the A38 is already underway. The resurfacing work on a two and a half mile stretch of the eastbound carriageway between Peartree and Goodstone junctions will follow in 2027, after the viaduct scheme is completed.
A38 Upgrades in Devon to Bring Closures and 40mph Limits