Road closed ahead: Diversion for 75-yard gas works takes drivers on a 17-mile detour

By Richard Hartley-parkinson

Last updated at 1:59 PM on 9th January 2012

Diversions caused by roadworks can be tiresome and stressful at the best of times.

But spare a thought next time you're stuck in one for the people of Sidmouth, Devon, where motorists have to trek 17 miles to avoid a closed 75-yard stretch of road.

A route that normally takes about 20 minutes to travel between the town and Honiton is currently twice as long as it should be while gas works take place under the tarmac.

The 75-yard stretch of road in Sidmouth, Devon, that motorists have to drive 17 miles to get around

Diversions have been put in place and are expected to be there for five weeks with businesses counting the cost of shoppers being diverted to Exeter or Ottery St Mary.

Some have estimated that the closure of the tiny stretch of the A375 may have cost the local community as much as £1million.

Instead road signs divert them along a circular route towards Exeter along the A30 and then on to the A3052.

The diversion is related to a five-week closure of School Street, in the Sidford area of Sidmouth while gas firm Wales and West Utilities carries out work Richard Eley the chairman of Sidmouth chamber of commerce was furious about the diversion.

He complained to highways bosses about the 17-mile detour saying motorists could make a much shorter diversion instead.

'We're extremely fed up, again,' said Mr Eley. 'There are serious implications for the town's economy. The cost to Sidmouth is going to be very high. Over five weeks it would cost the town centre more than £1million - even in January. It's insane.'

At the other end of the diversion in Honiton there's no indication that the diversion will take you on a route that is twice as long as it needs to be

Mr Eley said rather than travelling towards Exeter on the A30 drivers should be directed down the A375 to the Hare and Hounds pub then on to the A3052.

But Highways authority Devon County Council, DCC, defended their route.

Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways at Devon County Council, said: 'Wales and West has signed the agreed diversion from Honiton via the A30 joining the A3052.

'They have also added extra signs to say that businesses are open as usual. This diversion route is suitable for all traffic including HGVs.'

He added that the council would also be signing an alternative route for light vehicles along the A375 from Honiton turning off to head towards the A3052.

Source : dailymail

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