Dartmouth Road resurfacing works

These resurfacing works follow the completion of the current gas network upgrade works carried out by Wales and West Utilities, which are due to finish on 1 November 2026. 

Coordinating both works helps us:

• make sure the road is restored to a high standard 
• minimise the need for future disruption.

The improvements are part of our ongoing investment in Torbay's roads. They will:

• help address deterioration in the existing road surface
• improve safety for all road users 
• extend the life of this key route.

By carrying out these works now, we can help prevent the need for more extensive repairs in the future.

What work we are carrying out

The scheme will include:

• completely removing the existing road surface
• resurfacing the carriageway
• renewing road markings
• reinstating high-friction surfacing where required

These improvements will help make sure Dartmouth Road stays safe and reliable for residents, businesses and visitors.

Traffic management and access

Temporary traffic management measures will be in place throughout the works. This helps us carry out the works safely.

We will do everything possible to minimise disruption and maintain access where it is safe and practical to do so. 

We appreciate these works will cause disruption. We thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience.

Road users are advised to:

• allow extra time for journeys
• follow temporary traffic management measures
• consider avoiding travel at peak times if possible

We will publish further details of the traffic management arrangements on this page before work begins. 

Why we are resurfacing Dartmouth Road 

Regular maintenance helps keep our roads safe and in good condition.

Investing in larger scale preventative maintenance now reduces the risk of more significant repairs in the future. It also helps us minimise long-term disruption for road users.

The section of Dartmouth Road to the south of the Windy corner junction has reached the end of its serviceable life. It is included in our resurfacing programme. 

It was last resurfaced before 1997, when Devon County Council maintained this section of the highway network.

Dartmouth Road is a key route in Torbay's strategic road network and is important for traffic across the area. The road is currently showing signs of excessive deterioration, including:

• an uneven surface affecting ride quality
• cracking
• worn road texture

These issues support the need for the planned resurfacing works.

Why we've planned the works this way

Overnight working is not possible

Dartmouth Road needs major resurfacing works to a depth of approximately 200mm (20cm). 

In some resurfacing schemes, we can manage traffic using temporary ramps and temporary running surfaces. However, this is not possible in this project. It involves removing the existing road surface (black top ‘asphalt’ surface) to a depth that exposes the underlying sub-base (granular stone).

This process also leaves utility covers exposed and raised. This makes them unsafe for vehicles to pass over.

The exposed sub-base consists of loose stone material, which cannot safely support traffic. The section of road under reconstruction must stay closed to traffic while we carry out the works. This allows us to complete the new road construction to the correct levels. It also prevents damage or contamination during the resurfacing process.

Limited options to work during school holidays

Our contractor requires time to prepare and mobilise for the works. 

There would be insufficient time to carry out the works during a one-week half-term. 

A 2 week holiday would provide more time. The Easter is the only other option, however this holiday period also brings higher visitor traffic. This would lead to greater disruption. 

The summer holidays are also not suitable. Dartmouth Road is on a route where works are restricted during the peak tourist season to reduce disruption in Torbay.

Difficulties if completing the work in smaller sections 

Currently, the works are planned in 3 sections on each side of Dartmouth Road. This allows us to:

• manage traffic more effectively
• keep queues to a minimum
• reduce disruption to bus services.

Splitting the works into smaller sections would increase costs and need more traffic management. We would need to change the traffic layout more often. It would also create more joints in the new road surface, which could become weak points and increase the risk of future defects.

Bascombe Road is unsuitable as a diversion or ‘relief route’

Bascombe Road is not suitable as an official diversion route. Best practice for diversion planning is that the alternative route should, where possible, be of a similar road classification to the road they divert. Dartmouth Road is an A-class urban road, while Bascombe Road is a U-class urban/rural road.

Bascombe Road also has limited street lighting provision. This makes it less suitable for accommodating higher traffic, particularly during periods of darkness. Other factors that would need to be considered include:

• Existing  pinch points, traffic constraints, and engineering limitations along the route.
• As a One Way diversion, all residents living off Bascombe Road going to Paignton or Torquay would need to follow the diversion route to Brixham. They would then need to negotiate the traffic on Dartmouth Road coming from Brixham, causing a major disruption to residents.
• It would increase traffic in an area with pedestrians and cyclists, including in sections that have limited or no footway provision.
• This will have a significant impact on residential communities, including increased traffic, noise, vibration and vehicle emissions.
• There will be a considerable amount of additional traffic management to serve a diversion such as this, including traffic management measures at key junctions.
• Difficulties for agricultural vehicles and the potential impact on local farming operations.
• The displacement of traffic onto roads that are not designed to handle higher traffic volumes.
• Increased traffic queuing at Churston Way Junction with New Road. This would need traffic signals and cause major traffic in quiet residential streets, increasing noise and exhaust pollution to residents.
• Not all traffic travels directly between Windy Corner and Brixham Town Centre. A diversion would impact a number of other destinations and routes.

Data shows that a large number of vehicles will be displaced. 1,000 vehicles per day would normally use Kennels Road. A large proportion of the remaining 6,800 vehicles per day on this route would normally use Monksbridge Road. This means that traffic displacement in Brixham and disruption will continue as traffic tries to get back on route within the town.

Taking these factors into account, Bascombe Road is not an appropriate route for an official diversion.

Supporting local businesses

Dartmouth Road, Brixham and the surrounding area will remain open and accessible throughout the works.

We encourage residents and visitors to continue supporting local businesses, shops, cafés and other services during this period.

Keeping you updated

We'll update this page as the scheme progresses and when further information becomes available. This includes:

• details of traffic management arrangements 
• any changes to the programme.

You can also find information about the recent gas network upgrade works on the Wales and West Utilities website.