Main road in Torquay to shut for 10 weeks

A road in Torquay will be shut for 10 weeks so that major roadworks can take place. Drivers are being warned that work will start on Monday, July 15, to rebuild part of Shiphay Lane.

The project is expected to take up to 10 weeks and will see part of Shiphay Lane closed to all vehicles. The highway will be reconstructed between Oak Park Avenue and the junction with Shiphay Avenue.

The work will take place in two five-week phases. The first part will be Oak Park Close to Shiphay Avenue, followed by Oak Park Close to Oak Park Avenue.

A spokesperson for torbay-council>Torbay Council said: "During the works, Shiphay Lane will be under a 24-hour closure between Dairy Hill and the junction with Shiphay Avenue. This is necessary to protect road users and to provide a safe work zone.

"Affected residents and businesses have been sent a letter advising them of the road closure, alternative parking locations and what they need to do before and during the works."

Diversion routes

During the closure period, a signed diversion route will direct vehicles along Shiphay Avenue, Marldon Road, Dart Avenue and Exe Hill onto Shiphay Lane. The same route applies in reverse for travel in the other direction. There will be no disruption to the pavements so people will still be able to walk along Shiphay Lane.

The council spokesperson added: "We do recognise there is never a good time to close a road. It is hoped that by doing most of the work over the school summer holidays when traffic in the area is lower, the works can be completed as quickly as possible.

"The reconstruction of the road requires the contractors to dig down 425mm (17in). They will remove the current road material and then build up the structure again, finishing with two or three layers of surfacing.

"During the closure period, waste and recycling collections will remain the same. Residents should put out their waste bins, recycling boxes and bags on their normal collection days. Anyone who regularly travels along Shiphay Lane or the surrounding roads is advised to plan extra time for their journey and if possible, consider an alternative route.

"We thank residents and road users for their patience and co-operation during the disruption caused by these essential works."