Devon leaders have admitted that a new main route in Exmouth has been too slow in the making, highlighting the poor performance of its contractor amid a year of delays.
The council overseeing the works has deemed the progress on a major road "not quick enough", writes local democracy reporter Bradley Gerrard. Critics say the road has been repeatedly delayed.
Vast engineering works have been taking place on Exmouth's Dinan Way, creating an 800-metre extension to the road so it meets the A376. While the extension opened this month, work on the final phase of the scheme will mean disruption for drivers for the rest of the year.
A section of the A376 between Courtlands Cross and Courtlands Lane will close to through traffic while a roundabout at that location is completed.
Councillor Jeff Trail (Conservative, Exmouth) expressed irritation that the works weren't entirely completed already. He complained that councillors had been told the scheme was "supposed to be open last December, then March, and now we're told hopefully by the first week of December this year".
"I hope to get reassurance that the work will be completed as it has affected businesses, residents and visitors to Exmouth," he said.
"We have had quite a lot of delays, and now we have another one as there will be a road closure and three months of a large diversion."
The closure between Courtlands Cross and Courtlands Lane will mean vehicles travelling to and from Exmouth town centre will be diverted along the newly completed Dinan Way extension and Hulham Road. However, the diversion route will include a number of temporary one-way routes.
The Devon County Council diversion, closure and one-way routes. Image: DCC.
Councillor Dan Thomas (Liberal Democrat, Yealmpton and South Brent) acknowledged the "poor performance" of the contractor and that the dates for completion the council was now aiming for "stand as far as we are concerned".
"Work on the A376 Dinan Way extension scheme has taken longer than originally expected, and we understand the frustration this has caused for residents, businesses and road users," he said.
"The original programme was to be completed around New Year 2026. However, a number of factors have affected progress since work started, including a very wet winter, which made it impossible to carry out vital earth works.
"Additional work has also had to be instructed during the course of the scheme, including drainage, landscaping and attenuation works, following issues that emerged on site.
"On a scheme of this scale, it is not unusual for changes to be needed as work progresses, particularly where previously unknown utilities are found or issues with ground conditions are identified."
Cllr Thomas added that it had been a "conscious decision" to ask the contractor to suspend work and remove the temporary traffic lights on the A376 for two weeks during the day for the summer half-term and again for 12 weeks between the end of May and September.
"Exmouth is a seaside town with a strong visitor economy and this was done to help local tourism and hospitality businesses during their busiest trading periods, as well as to keep traffic moving for residents and visitors," he said.
"That said, we have been clear with the contractor that progress has not been quick enough. There have also been periods where the availability of specialist subcontractors and resources has affected the speed of delivery.
"We are continuing to work closely with the contractor to complete the remaining works as quickly and safely as possible, while also managing disruption for residents, businesses and visitors."
Council Admits Exmouth Link Road Work Not Quick Enough