Devon County Show M5 traffic warning as 100,000 people are expected at Westpoint Arena

A traffic warning has been issued ahead of the Devon County Show which begins tomorrow, Thursday, May 16. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event at the Westpoint Arena, near Exeter.

National Highways said that drivers planning on using the M5 during the show should leave extra time for their journeys. The motorway is expected to be busiest north and south of junctions 29 and 30.

The A30 east and west of Exeter and the A38 south of Exeter are also expected to be busy from Thursday morning until Saturday, May 18. Motorists have been warned to expect delays on busy routes around the venue in Clyst St Mary.

READ MORE: Brixham outbreak: Cryptosporidium confirmed as illness sweeps town

READ MORE: Devon nursery 'distressed' by Ofsted rating

M5 traffic will be directed to use junction 30 to access the showground via the A376 and A3052. Meanwhile, A30 westbound traffic will be directed to exjt at the Daisy Mount junction and use the B3180 and A3052. The Sandygate Roundabout, which links the M5, the A30, the A379 and the A3052 Sidmouth Road, is expected to be heavily congested as people head to the event.

John Ingram, South West Network Planner for National Highways, said: “We’re working closely with our partners at Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to give drivers as much advice as possible to help them plan their journeys during this busy period, and our traffic officers will be patrolling the M5, A38 and A30 to assist with any breakdowns and incidents.

“Junction 30 of the M5 could be particularly busy and the north approach to junction 30 could also see significant increases in traffic between 8am and 10.30am over the three days when visitors to the Devon Show could be using the motorway at the same time as commuter and freight traffic.

“The A30 east and west of Exeter and A38 south of Exeter could also see increases in traffic, and drivers are advised to plan their travel routes well in advance, and to keep up to date with the latest road conditions. Yellow signs will advise show visitors which route to take on the approaches to the show.”

Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice