Major A382 Upgrade Underway as Whitehills Junction Closes for 11 Months

Construction is now officially underway on the latest phase of the A382 improvement project, with the Whitehills junction closed for approximately 11 months to allow major upgrade works to proceed.

The £50 million scheme aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and promote alternative transport options such as walking and cycling. Key components of the project include realigning the A382 between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse), building the Jetty Marsh Link Road, and constructing the new Whitehills roundabout.

Following completion of the Whitehills roundabout, work will shift to Forches Cross, where another year-long road closure is planned.

On Monday, 29 September, councillors visited the site for a progress update on the ongoing works.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood commented on the project, stating:“We’re backing motorists with investment that cuts journey times and improves road safety. The improvements to the A382, backed by Government funding, will not only provide safer, faster journeys but also support walking, cycling, and wheeling. This development will also help unlock access to local employment, contributing to our wider economic goals.”

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, emphasized the safety benefits of the scheme:“Before the first phase of improvements, the A382 saw multiple serious collisions. After those upgrades, accident rates were cut by more than half. This next phase is essential to continue improving safety. While some disruption is inevitable, careful planning has gone into managing diversions and ensuring local business access is maintained.”

Councillor Jacqueline Fry, representing Newton Abbot North, added:“I’m excited to see the long-term benefits this project will bring. It’s a major step forward in improving travel for residents and visitors alike.”

To minimize disruption, traffic management plans have been developed in partnership with local businesses. Diversion routes are now active via the A383 and B3193, aided by 17 real-time Variable Message Signs (VMS) to help drivers navigate the most efficient routes.

Additional temporary measures include revised traffic light sequences, a one-way system on Greycoat Lane, a southbound closure of Ringslade Road, and temporary signals at the Clay Lane/Clay Pits Way junction.

Beyond tackling traffic congestion, the project will help unlock housing and development sites outlined in Teignbridge District Council’s Local Plan. The upgrade is being jointly funded by the UK Government, Devon County Council, and Teignbridge District Council, building upon previous improvements to the A382 and the A382/A383 Link Road.