Long-awaited A382 upgrade to start this autumn after years of delays

Work to upgrade the A382 near Newton Abbot is due to begin this autumn, following confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Devon County Council announced this month that construction will go ahead, although the original £60m scheme — first outlined in 2019–20 — has been revised to match the final budget allocated by government.

The project will include an upgraded and re-aligned stretch of the A382 between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse) to improve safety and journey times. This will connect with the completed first phase of the upgrade. A new roundabout will also be built north of Forches Cross.

Other key elements include the construction of the Jetty Marsh Link road and Whitehills roundabout, as well as improved walking and cycling links.

The scheme supports proposed developments set out in Teignbridge District Council’s Local Plan. Devon County Council submitted a revised business case to the DfT earlier this year.

However, due to a reduction in DfT funding and rising inflation, not all of the original improvements will be delivered in this phase. Plans to widen the section from Drumbridges to Stover and to upgrade Exeter Road have been postponed. The council said these areas remain a priority for future investment when further funding becomes available.

Cllr Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “These improvements are very much needed for the A382 so I’m pleased that construction can now get underway.

"It’s unfortunate that this project has been delayed while awaiting confirmation of Government funding, but we welcome what is still a significant investment that will help support growth by unlocking development, while also improving safety and providing active travel links.”

Cllr Sally Morgan, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said: “While I’m very disappointed that the entire route is delayed, particularly the section around Drumbridges, I’m pleased to see that the planned cycling and walking links are still being included in the next phase.

"Those links were crucial during the planning phase in getting the road approved by councillors. I hope, when the final section is completed, that residents can safely use this route without always having to rely on a car."

Cllr Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control at Teignbridge District Council, said: “I welcome this ‘green light’ to the funding for further construction on the A382, which will aid traffic flow, road safety and active travel options - while also supporting future development in the wider Newton Abbot area.

"The available budget does mean we cannot progress all elements of the original scheme at this stage, however, it’s great news that the much-needed Whitehills roundabout and Jetty Marsh Phase 2 link road will now be built, along with the extension of local pedestrian and cycle routes.”

The scheme is being funded by the UK Government, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council. It builds on the first phase of A382 improvements and the A382/A383 Link Road.

It is also one of seven projects selected for the DfT’s Live Labs 2 programme, run by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT). The A382 scheme aims to become the UK’s first “carbon negative” highway, cutting emissions throughout the construction and maintenance process.