Starting Monday 5 January 2026, National Grid will begin essential utility upgrade works in Paignton town centre to support regeneration projects, including the restoration of Paignton Picture House.

National Grid works will take place in two areas between Monday 5 and Tuesday 13 January.

• Torbay Road: A new electrical supply will be installed to support Paignton Picture House. Motorists can enter Torbay Road from Esplanade Road, turning left or right onto Garfield Road or Queens Road. Entry from Hyde Road will not be permitted.
• Hyde Road / Great Western Road: Underground cabling will be diverted during the same period, requiring a lane closure. This area is expected to be busy at peak times, with no access to Torbay Road from Hyde Road.

Signed diversions will be in place.

Hyde Road car park will remain accessible as usual, while access to Victoria car park will be available via Esplanade Road or Garfield Road. The Station Square and lower end of Torbay Road taxi ranks will remain operational for passengers. However, due to the partial closure of Torbay Road, the taxi rank at the top end (near Paignton Picture House) will be temporarily closed.

We acknowledge these works will cause some disruption and apologises in advance. Completing both projects at the same time avoids further closures later. These upgrades are vital to supports Paignton’s regeneration programme, helping to restore historic buildings, improve infrastructure, and create a better town centre for residents and visitors.

Road users are encouraged to prioritise public transport, active travel and car sharing wherever possible. If you do need to drive, please plan ahead, allow extra time and consider alternative routes.

Paignton town centre businesses remain open and are ready to welcome customers throughout the works.

Information on further utility and highway works in Paignton

Wales & West Utilities

From Wednesday 14 January 2026, Wales & West Utilities will continue essential gas pipe upgrade works at the Dartmouth Road/Roundham Road roundabout junction.

This extension is necessary due to an unforeseen bend in the pipe, which prevented insertion from the original excavation on Roundham Road. To complete the upgrade, excavation of the roundabout is now required.

As this work has been directed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), we are obliged to facilitate it. However, we have ensured that start of the work is delayed until after the completion of the works in Paignton town centre.

The works are expected to take 12 calendar days to complete. Details of the traffic management arrangements are not yet available and will be shared with you after Thursday 8 January.

Torquay Road, carriageway reconstruction

From Monday 26 January, carriageway reconstruction works will take place on Torquay Road between Kings Road and Higher Polsham Road.

The project involves removing the existing concrete carriageway and excavating to a depth of 425mm. The works are expected to take approximately 8–9 weeks to complete. During this period, the road will remain open, but two-way traffic lights will be in operation.

These improvements are long overdue and have previously been delayed due to other major works across the surrounding highway network.

Local businesses and footpaths will remain open and accessible throughout the works.

Smarter ways to travel during roadworks

• Consider using public transport wherever possible. Buses and trains can help you avoid traffic queues entirely and reduce pressure on the road network.
• For shorter trips, walking or cycling may be the quickest choice, allowing you to bypass disruption from roadworks and stay active at the same time.
• If you do need to drive, look for alternative routes to avoid the busiest areas and minimise delays.
• Build extra time into your journey, to account for traffic management measures and any unexpected congestion.
• Travelling together or car‑sharing can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, supporting smoother journeys for everyone.
• Stay updated with local travel information and transport alerts so you can adjust your plans and choose the most efficient mode of travel on the day.

We recognise that road closures and traffic management measures can be disruptive. However, they are essential to maintaining services and improving the highway network. Careful planning has ensured that these works will run consecutively, with no overlap. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as these improvements are delivered.