The first phase of the essential highway safety works on the A3022 Brixham Road to the east (Paignton side) of Churston Mill Farm (locally known as Strawberry Bends), will be ending shortly, allowing traffic flow to return to normal for the Easter holiday break.

Two-way traffic will return to the road on Thursday 29 March for a two week period, with the works protected by red and white water filled barriers and a reduced speed limit of 30mph.

Councillor Robert Excell, Executive Lead for Community Services, said: “The first phase of the works has progressed well, despite problems locating statutory undertaker’s apparatus and the recent spell of adverse weather. During this period, temperatures dropped to such a point that the stone masons were unable to work and concrete was unable to be poured.”

The first phase of safety works to repair the supporting wall have been undertaken using 24 hour signal controlled traffic management.

Around 50 metres of deep excavations, undertaken adjacent to the highway boundary wall, have been completed to allow for the strengthening of the existing retaining wall. This will provide an anchorage point to which the new Vehicle Restraint System will be secured - protecting the public highway for years to come.

The second phase of the works, which will allow the implementation of the new Vehicle Restraint System, will begin at 9.30am on Monday 16 April and are expected to last for approximately two weeks.

Once again, the works will be protected by signalised traffic management and peak traffic times will be monitored for adjustment of signal timings to suit traffic flows. Safety on the highway is of paramount importance, this is done maintaining a safe distance of separation between the contractors workforce and passing traffic.