Exeter Road Reopening Delayed Again Amid Gas Main Upgrades

The reopening of one of Exeter’s key routes has been postponed for a third time, as ongoing gas network upgrades by Wales & West Utilities continue along Heavitree Road.

The utility company had originally pledged to reopen the road — which runs past Waitrose and the University of Exeter’s St Luke’s Campus — on 7 October. That deadline was later moved to 13 October, then 10 November, and has now been pushed back once more to 21 November, the company has confirmed.

The extended closure has caused significant traffic congestion on surrounding routes, compounding disruption across the city as Buddle Lane, another key artery, also remains affected by separate Wales & West works.

“Unexpected Engineering Difficulties”

According to Lee Moore, the company’s Performance Manager for Devon, two main factors have contributed to the repeated delays.

“In agreement with Devon County Council, we decided to upgrade an additional section of gas main along Heavitree Road ahead of a new bus improvement scheme planned for the area,” said Moore. “This decision will prevent us from having to return and dig up a newly resurfaced road in future.”

However, while undertaking the extra work, engineers encountered unexpected technical challenges, further slowing progress.

Moore added that the company has been coordinating closely with the University of Exeter to minimise disruption on campus.

“We’ve avoided weekday working to ensure university facilities can stay open, meaning some of our work has only been possible during weekends,” he said.

Completion Expected by Late November

Wales & West Utilities apologised for the disruption and confirmed that the project is now “on track” for completion by 21 November.

The company said the decision to expand the scope of work, despite extending the closure period, would reduce the need for future excavations and help support the city’s upcoming transport improvement plans.