More roadworks are coming for Torbay's motorists in busy road spots

Motorists beware - roadworks are coming at two of Torbay's busiest traffic spots

Torbay Council have highway works planned in Preston and Paignton both this autumn and early next year. Work will take place in two phases at the busy Torquay Road junction with Seaway Road and Headland Park Road. The works will include the upgrade of the existing signals equipment to a new intelligent system.

The first phase of roadworks starts on November 6 and is expected to take three to four weeks to complete. The works will extend the traffic signal ducting at the junction, within the adjacent footpaths. During this first phase, the signals will operate as normal. There will only be a single lane closure on the Torquay side of the junction, and a reduction of parking spaces on the Paignton side. Traffic will flow as normal through the junction. Pedestrians will be able to use the crossing signals with minimal disruption.

The second phase of works is expected to start in February 2024. This will include the replacement of all signals' equipment on this junction. In this phase, the junction will operate using temporary signals to ensure traffic flow disruption is kept to a minimum. The Council will also be trialling a new system of intelligent temporary traffic lights. These will mimic the software and vehicle detection of the original signals, effectively operating exactly as the equipment it replaces.

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place, Culture & Events and Parking, said: "Torbay Council is undertaking a programme to upgrade its traffic signal installations, which are beyond their serviceable life. The signals at Torquay Road/Seaway Lane/Headland Park Road are among the oldest signals in the Bay and the equipment is starting to deteriorate"