07/08/2026
Please read below the communication the Parish Council received from Devon County Highways this morning.
I wanted to discuss the traffic management concerns in Copplestone. I am fully aware of the concerns raised by both yourself and local residents regarding the access arrangements at Sunnymead. As someone who lives locally, I understand the impact that both temporary traffic lights and road closures can have on the area and appreciate the frustration being experienced.
During the initial design phase, we sought to maintain access to Sunnymead. However, once works commenced, it quickly became apparent that the inclusion of a fourth signal head at the Sunnymead junction was creating significant operational difficulties. With four signal heads in operation, manual control is no longer possible and the temporary traffic lights must operate solely on timed phases.The addition of the fourth signal head substantially increased red-light durations on the remaining three approaches, resulting in the significant queues that were experienced. These delays were considerably greater than those seen during the pub demolition works, when the traffic signals operated more effectively. In addition, there were many occasions when the Sunnymead signal phase turned green despite no vehicles exiting the junction, further increasing delays for other road users. As the system was operating on fixed timings, there was no opportunity to manually omit this phase when it was not required. I have also personally witnessed vehicles passing through red lights on several occasions, including from the Sunnymead exit. This behaviour presents a serious safety risk to all highway users and can cause the traffic signal system to reset, resulting in further delays. I am aware that some residents have requested that Bewsley Hill be reopened. However, there are concerns with removing the closure, as it could allow vehicles to turn right towards Barnstaple against oncoming traffic, creating a significant road safety issue.
For these reasons, the current decision has been made to close Sunnymead's access to the A377. The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) has been amended accordingly. This approach improves traffic flow and enables manual control of the signals during peak periods. I was on site last night and, as you correctly highlighted, the contractor was not adhering to the agreed manual control arrangements. I have escalated this matter today and will continue to monitor the situation. If you become aware of any further instances where manual control is not being implemented as agreed, please let me know. Photographs and other evidence are extremely helpful in enabling us to challenge and enforce compliance with the contractor. I agree that the diversion route via Bewsley Hill and Elston Lane is not ideal. However, at present we are maintaining access into Sunnymead from the A377, which means Elston Lane is functioning predominantly as a one-way route. Whilst I could arrange amendments to the TTRO to formalise this arrangement, previous experience has shown that such restrictions can be ineffective, as only the police have the authority to enforce them. There is also a risk that motorists may gain a false sense of security, leading to increased vehicle speeds. Should road users continue to ignore the closure and exit Sunnymead contrary to the traffic management arrangements, we may need to consider closing Sunnymead in both directions and using Elston Lane as the diversion route for two-way traffic. This is an outcome I am keen to avoid if at all possible.
For your information, the works were originally assessed for potential night-time delivery. However, noise restrictions and discussions with Network Rail indicated that this would significantly increase the programme timescales. We are keen to resolve the drainage issues at this location as quickly as possible and recognised from the outset that the northbound closure would inevitably have an impact. The second phase of the works will take place on the southbound carriageway, where maintaining access between Copplestone and the A377 should be considerably easier.
