South West drivers trapped for hours on major road due to heavy snow
Heavy snowfall led to the closure of a major route, leaving drivers on the brink of tears. The A380 in Devon was shut for most of the afternoon, trapping motorists for hours until it reopened in the evening after thorough gritting, as frustrated drivers reported to DevonLive.
The road was blocked northbound between Kingsteignton and the Splatford Split, with another closure southbound from Splatford Split to Ashcombe. This was one of many road closures in the area due to snowfall, but it had the most significant impact on drivers, with many telling DevonLive they were stranded there for hours.
A joint statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways sald "Today’s wintry showers have caused significant travel disruption in parts of Devon and Cornwall this afternoon and into this evening. Resources were out from midday to grit Devon’s Road, including areas where snow was forecast. Snow arrived in the region earlier than forecast, which lead to higher accumulations. As a result it was not possible to subsequently pre-deploy the resources to vulnerable locations as had originally been planned.
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"Whilst responding, minor incidents occurred which blocked traffic and resulted in snow ploughs being stuck in the resulting queues. Additional resources were sent immediately. Officers and staff and Highways colleagues have been working relentlessly to get things moving.
"Gritters have continued to treat routes as some areas, including Telegraph Hill, Whiddon Down and Dartmoor have seen significant amounts of snow. Traffic on Telegraph Hill (A380) was at a standstill before the peak travel time this afternoon. With the A380/A38 closed southbound and westbound at Splatford Split earlier today as well as the A380 being closed northbound, Devon County Council, National Highways and Police targeted extra resources in the area.
"We are aware of some motorists being stationary for long periods of time and partners have been working to keep people safe and also get traffic moving as soon as possible. The majority of traffic is now moving. Efforts to clear the routes had been hampered by fallen trees and broken down vehicles.
"Ploughs have been fitted to gritters and will work around the clock tonight and into tomorrow morning. Road surface temperatures are reducing further tonight, with some areas almost reaching -5C, and the prolonged freeze this evening and into tomorrow morning will leave icy patches. Motorists are reminded to check the Met Office for warnings and carefully consider travel plans."
One driver, Will (who preferred not to share his surname), said he and a companion were stuck for three hours in the afternoon while trying to travel northbound to Exeter from Brixham for work. Their 4x4 vehicle was immobilised from around 2.30pm, when the heavy snow began, until approximately 5.30pm.
"Another motorist shared video from a similar scene on Haldon Hill, featuring a gritter and emergency sirens. They said the video was taken at around 3pm and they were still stuck on the road at 6.30pm, when they sent in the video footage. They questioned whether they would have to sleep in their car overnight.
Another said: "Four hours many of us have been on here with not much info on what’s being done. There is now a lot of panic starting and tears happening."
Sharing details to other drivers in the M5 Traffic and Travel Facebook group, another said Haldon Hill was "absolutely rubbish."
They added: "Went through around 2.30pm. Was horrendous. Hour to get to the top from Newton side Was like a winter wonderland up top!!"
It came as parts of the South West faced significant snowfall throughout the day, leading to road closures that stranded drivers for hours, and prompted school closures in anticipation of more disruptive weather tomorrow.
The Met Office has warned of further weather chaos; forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for ice overnight, as temperatures cause today's rain to freeze. It said: "Following rain and snow, many cold wet surfaces are likely to freeze later tonight, producing icy conditions in places.
The Met Office stated: "Surfaces have been left wet and cold following Wednesday evening's rain and snow. While some surfaces may dry out before they freeze, it is likely that many untreated surfaces may become icy and hazardous overnight into Thursday morning - this will tend to happen sooner in the west, some eastern areas perhaps marginal for freezing."
National Highways, as of 8.04pm, said the A380 southbound closure had been lifted, though there were still delays on the road as traffic returns to normal. It said: "The #A380 south closure has now been lifted at the split with the #A38 in near #HadonHills. There are 30 minute residual delays on approach so still expect delays whilst traffic flows return to normal. Please ensure to take care as driving conditions are still not ideal."
Earlier today National Highways said: "Heavy snow fall has necessitated the closure of access to the #A380 south at the split with the #A38 in near #HadonHills. Traffic is moving very slowly along the #A38 south with 90 minute delays. Multiple gritter/ploughs are trying to make the #A380 safe for traffic."
Photos taken from the scene, and National Highways traffic cameras, revealed the extent of the snowfall as it covered the roads and surrounding countryside. Most of the South West has been under a yellow weather warning since 9am today - which the Met Office says is set to last until 11.59pm tonight. A second, more severe amber level snow warning was issued at around 2.30pm and was set to last until 9pm. A warning for ice for Thursday morning has been issued.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There has been significant and sustained snowfall on areas of higher ground and widespread areas of the county have seen snow and sleet. With road surface temperatures staying low today and expected to remain below freezing beyond tomorrow morning’s peak travel time, there will be a risk of ice if you’re out and about tonight and in the morning.
“Untreated routes could be particularly treacherous, but please remember that ice can form even on treated routes. Our gritter drivers are working extremely hard. They’re doing everything possible to keep routes clear and help keep Devon moving. If your journey tomorrow morning is essential, please allow extra travel time, drive according to the conditions and take extra care.”