Roadworks cause "Chaos" for weeks in Exeter

The extensive roadworks in Exeter have been causing long delays for drivers.

A series of roadworks around the city at the same time are resulting in drivers in Exeter say they are facing chaos. Many have already complained of long tailbacks during rush hour this week.

At the roundabout near Morrisons supermarket on Prince Charles Road, temporary traffic lights were installed on Monday (February 26), . These are due to remain in place for around five and a half weeks, with the estimated end date being April 5. South West Water said they wrote to residents three weeks in advance in response to one commuter says this came without any prior warning. 

The local resident said: "Without prior notice temporary traffic lights were put up at around 8am this morning (February 26) in the vicinity of Morrison's Roundabout, Prince Charles Road.

"At 9:45am, I saw three Stagecoach buses caught up in the chaos. Little wonder our bus services are so unreliable. What with the ongoing road works at Whipton Shops, no wonder we have so much chaos around the city."

The traffic lights have been installed in aid of South West Water carrying out works to the water main as part of a new development. The plans which was granted planning permission in 2020, includes to the development of 400 new homes, a care home and a new green space next to Morrisons.

A spokesperson for South West Water said: "We are carrying out essential work to install a new water main on Prince Charles Road, Exeter, which will service the new Exmouth Junction East development site. To ensure the safety of our team and the public, we have installed temporary traffic lights for the duration of the works which we aim to complete by mid April.

"We wrote to residents around three weeks before starting work to inform them of our plans and would like to thank them and road users for their patience while we complete this work."

A drain storm instillation has also required temporary light on Pinhoe Road and Vaughan Road, near Whipton Shops, put up by Devon County Council. These works began on January 15 and have an estimated completion date of March 8.

From February 12 until March 28 disruptions through St David's area can also be expected as Cowley Bridge Road has been closed northbound between the Great Western Hotel and the junction with New North Road for gas mains replacement works by Wales & West Utilities. A diversion has been put in place, which takes motorists via St David's Hill, Hele Road and New North Road. Heavy traffic is being reported on St David's Hill.

Towards the west of Exeter, there are also some delays with more South West Water works. Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Shillingford Road from February 2 until March 11 for the installation of a new water main.