A MAIN road in and out of Newton Abbot will shut for two weeks near the end of February.

From February 24 until March 7 the A382 Bovey Road will be closed, according to Devon County Council’s interactive roadworks map.

The closure is to allow South West Water (SWW) to carry out key 'exploratory' work ahead of major scheme to divert water mains as part of improvements to the Jetty Marsh Link Road.

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: ‘The work is complex as it’s a major connection for water in the area and unfortunately it can’t be carried out at night, but SWW will aim to complete it as quickly as possible.

‘Unfortunately, the length of the official diversion is unavoidable as it has to use roads of a similar standard to try to prevent HGVs from using unsuitable routes.’

The two official diversion routes are around 12 miles and 20 miles, the former via Ashburton and the latter via Haldon.

‘Signs will be in place stating that businesses are open as usual, VMS signs will also be used, and we have agreed that Plants Galore can put up additional signs in the area’ the DCC spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for South West Water said: ‘We will be carry out investigations on Whitehill Road as part of that work later this month.

‘We have worked with the council to agree a road closure and diversion route and we are working with local businesses to minimise any disruption and have informed them of how to claim for any loss of profit during these essential works.’

Drivers in and around Newton Abbot can expect disruption, not least because of this closure but also as gas works continue in the town.

In March, three-way traffic lights will be put in place along Highweek Street at its junction with Halcyon Road and the A382.

There will also be no right hand turn from Halcyon Road to Highweek Street, Wales & West Utilities have said.