Devon County Council confirms 18-week closure on key Dartmoor route into Exeter

An 18-week road closure is planned for the main route between Moretonhampstead and Exeter early next year, with Devon County Council confirming that work is scheduled to begin on Monday 5 January 2026.

The closure will affect the road from Westcott Lane to Toll Cottage at Doccombe, covering a stretch of just over a kilometre. 

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An official diversion, which must follow roads of a similar classification, will send traffic along the B3212, Six Mill Hill, Farrant’s Hill, the B3193, the B3344, Le Molay-Littry Way, Station Road, Monks Way, the A382 and Exeter Road, and the same route in reverse.

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) published by Devon County Council states that the restriction could legally remain in place for up to 18 months, although the anticipated finish date is Monday 27 April 2026. 

Devon County Council said the work appears to involve “carriageway stabilisation and reinstatement”, which includes surface dressing.

In response to questions about the length of the closure, a council spokesperson said the TRO gives the 18-month period “as a contingency” but confirmed the work is expected to finish in April.

The council also noted that while the official diversion route must be used for signage, “local people may be able to use their local knowledge to use other routes”.

Works will be carried out on behalf of WSP, the contractor listed on the TRO. 

The document was formally issued by Meg Booth, Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, and is recorded under reference TTRO2665958.

Residents have raised concerns online about disruption to travel, bus services and local businesses, as this section of road has seen repeated closures in recent years. 

Devon County Council did not comment further on those concerns but directed the public to the TRO for confirmed dates, the map of the closure and the diversion route.

The road will be closed to all through-traffic for the duration of the works.