Project update 5 May 2026
The diversion route is now fully operational, and drivers should follow the signed diversion through Kingsbridge. For the most up-to-date information, please see our webpage.
Free car parking is available each day from 2pm onwards in the Quay and Fore Street car parks.
Any HGVs needing access to Ilbert Road towards Frogmore outside of normal hours should call 0345 155 1004 for assistance.
Progress on Site Excavations
Excavations at site continue at pace, with now a deep hole where the old culvert sat originally. The old culvert and collapsed stonework has now been totally removed and the large slates which formed the top of the culvert are now at ground level and are an impressive sight.
New Drainage and Culvert Installation
People will also have noticed that the pumps are working and at the bottom of the trench you can see where the new culvert will sit and filter down towards Ilbert Road. The new culvert has started to arrive on site and hopefully the first section will be installed fairly soon.
The image above shows the section containing a “T junction”, which, once installed, will allow future inspections to take place much more quickly and easily. It will be positioned close to Peacocks, near the traffic island.
Traffic Management and Road Safety
The traffic management arrangements on Ilbert Road have been more disruptive than anyone would have wished. However, measures are necessary as the site requires a lane closure for the safety of the workforce and to allow pumped water to be safely removed from the culvert site.
Temporary Extended One-Way System – From Saturday 2 May
From Saturday 2 May 2026, a new one way system will be place in Kingsbridge as part of the new temporary traffic order. Drivers wishing to use the A379 from Plymouth direction will filtered down Fore Street into Duncombe Street, Belle Vue Road, Church Street, Bridge Road and out as normal towards West Charleton, Chillington and Stokenham.
Drivers coming from West Charleton, Chillington and Stokenham direction will still be able to use Ilbert Road as normal to join the A381 towards Salcombe or A379 Cookworthy Road.
Signage, Support and Further Information
There will be new signage and gate people to assist very large HGV only through Ilbert Road if needed along with a helpline. The new one way system has been checked and buses will follow the diversion route.
More information on the diversion route can be found via one.network.
Future Plans
We recognise the level of disruption the town has experienced over the past few months. As works progress and conditions improve, we hope this helps to show the complexity involved and the scale of new infrastructure required to properly repair the damage.
Historical Discoveries During Excavation
Whilst excavating, some interesting finds have been discovered. Firstly there are at least 2 structures of the “Kings Bridge”. Both have been left in position and we have documented them for the Town Council, the museum and more importantly for future generations of Kingsbridge residents.
We have found some pottery and signs of human habitation in Kingsbridge going back centuries. The pottery includes broken vessel for a wine and spirit merchant from the town, another piece of a bottle top, and two large pieces of ceramics, one of which has evidence of burning so may have been used for cooking.
Finally, the old culvert slates were held in place by solid very heavy wrought iron bars. These again have been saved for Kingsbridge Town Council as pieces of historical interest.
