'There’s a chance the road could be lost' say council as major stabilisation scheme begins
The B3212 has seen restrictions since a landslip in 2022
A major 'stabilisation scheme' begins today on the B3212 between Dunsford and Doccombe.
It'll be closed for 18 weeks from Steps Bridge to Little Haytor Farm - where a section of the road has been shut since 2022 following a landslip where half of the road slumped, leaving it unsafe .
A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: "Extensive survey and design work has gone into developing a repair scheme which will stabilise the road, improve drainage and reinstate safety barriers.
"Trees were removed from the site earlier this year and a 12 tonne piling rig is being brought to the location in the new year to underpin the road."
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, added: “I appreciate an 18-week road closure is a long time, and we’re sorry that it will cause disruption, but this is an extremely complex job.
"There’s a chance the road could be lost completely at some stage if this stabilisation scheme isn’t done.
“A lot of work has gone into the design of the scheme and because the road is in an environmentally sensitive area it’s not straight forward. We have needed permission from landowners for the large plant that will be needed on site, and due to its size there’s no choice but to close the road. Please bear with us.”
Throughout the work, through journeys on Country Bus service 359, between Exeter and Moretonhampstead, will be diverted via the A30. Devon County Council has organised a shuttle service which will operate three times a day in each direction between Dunsford and Exeter, via Longdown. More information can be found here