LONG-AWAITED repairs to a key road on the Devon-Somerset border are finally under way after nearly three years of waiting.

Since July 2021, motorists travelling on the A30 have had to contend with temporary traffic lights at Crawley Farm, located between Chard and Yarcombe.

The lights were installed by Devon County Council following a landslip which threatened the eastbound carriageway, with motorists facing delays ever since.

The council confirmed in April 2023 that it would be finally removing the lights and repairing the road, committing around £400,000 to the project.

After several delays, the council’s chosen contractor Bridge Civil Engineering Ltd. has begun work to stabilise the carriageway – with the road expected to completely reopen before Christmas.

Somerset County Gazette: Devon County Council has committed around £400,000 to the project.Devon County Council has committed around £400,000 to the project. (Image: Daniel Mumby)

The A30 serves as the main road between Chard and Honiton, as well as providing a crucial diversionary route when the A303 around Ilminster is congested.

It also provides one of the main thoroughfares through the Blackdown Hills national landscape, with the closed section being in close proximity to both the Ferne Animal Sanctuary and the popular South Somerset Holiday Park.

As of Monday (June 3), a new 30mph speed limit has been put in place on either approach to the current traffic lights, with the damaged area being cordoned off with heras fencing.

The council’s official roadworks portal indicates the the scheme being completed and the lights removed by November 30.

A spokesman said: “The work is to be completed predominantly under two-way traffic lights. Road closures required for certain activities during the works.

“These are likely to be for a couple of days at a time (possibly up to a week) and the public are to be notified in advance.

“We are looking at a soil nail and retaining wall option, but this will require some temporary access works on the farmer's land below and also the partial removal of his cattle shed due to lack of working space.”

Further updates on the roadworks will be published on Devon County Council’s official roadworks portal in the coming weeks.