Utility works to bring further traffic disruption to Shaldon ahead of retaining wall repairs
Advance works are planned for the first half of November, with Openreach due to begin work on November 9 to divert its cables from the site.
Plans to rebuild Shaldon's collapsed retaining wall are progressing, with essential utility diversion works scheduled to begin in November.
However, this preparatory work is expected to bring further traffic disruption, with three-way temporary lights, parking suspensions and turning restrictions set to affect the area.
The retaining wall between Torquay Road and Ringmore Road collapsed in February 2024 and in order for long-awaited repair work to begin, a number of utility services must be moved or diverted.
Advance works are planned for the first half of November.
Openreach is due to begin work on November 9 to divert its cables from the site and allow them to be moved out of the way before the rebuilding of the wall begins.
The work is expected to take around 2 weeks, during which the existing temporary traffic lights will be replaced with a three-way lights system to allow the work to be carried out safely.
Parking will also be temporarily suspended on Ringmore Road to reduce queuing and there will be restrictions on turning between Ringmore Road and Torquay Road.
Before the rebuild of the wall can take place, a National Grid cable will also need to be diverted, while repairs are needed to highway drainage which was damaged during previous utility works.
Dates for this work are still to be confirmed, but are likely to be in the New Year.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We appreciate how frustrating the temporary traffic lights have been for people in Shaldon.”
“These utility works will cause some additional disruption, but they are an important step towards rebuilding the wall.”
Councillor Heather Horner, local member for Ipplepen & The Kerswells, said: “I know people in Shaldon are keen to see the wall rebuilt and the temporary lights removed.”
“I’m pleased that these advance works are getting underway and that progress is being made towards the permanent repair.”