UplymeTorrential rain, high winds and flooding made it a busy weekend for Devon County Council’s highways teams.
The clear up across the county is largely complete, with Trafalgar Way, Axminster, and Weycroft bridge on the A358 among the last roads to have re-opened this afternoon.
Highways officers have continued scouting the network today and although the A3052 at Boshill Hill, near Colyford, is currently closed it is expected to open later today.
Yesterday, East Devon was badly hit as the River Axe overtopped its banks. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to a number of vehicles stranded in floodwater at Weycroft Bridge near Axminster.
A number of roads across the county were also blocked by trees and large branches brought down by the strong winds yesterday. Trees have been cleared from the A373 Awliscombe, A39 Mullacott Cross, A3079 Halwill Junction, Woolbrook Road in Sidmouth, B3212 Dunsford Road, B3212 Yelverton and Coronation Road in Totnes.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“The amount of rainfall and strong gusts of wind over the weekend highlights how quickly these conditions can cause problems, particularly at this time of year. It’s a reminder to us all to drive according to conditions when out on Devon’s roads. As we head towards winter please remember not to drive through floodwater as you never know how deep it is, and there is still a risk of debris on the road as floodwater recedes. Our thanks go to the teams from Devon Highways for their swift response which has helped keep Devon moving.”
