OVERNIGHT work began this week on a £160,000 scheme to resurface the A30 Okehampton by-pass. The aim of the resurfacing work, which began on September 18, is to provide safer, quieter travel on the A30 between Meldon interchange and Sourton Cross on the westbound carriageway, and the eastbound entry sliproad at Sourton Cross. There will also be maintenance works on the centreline joint of the Okehampton bypass between Tongue End and Sourton Cross in both directions. To keep disruption to a minimum, work will take place overnight when traffic flows are lightest between 8pm and 6am. The work requires the complete overnight closure of the A30 eastbound from September 25-29 for five miles between Tongue End and Sourton Cross. A clearly signed diversion route will be in operation. Eastbound traffic will be directed off the A30 at Sourton Cross and directed to follow the A386 to Fowley Cross and the B3260 through Okehampton to rejoin the A30 at Tongue End. HGVs will be diverted off the A30 at Sourton Cross to follow the A386 and A3072 to North Tawton, then the A3124 and A382, rejoining the A30 at Whiddon Down. Highways Agency project sponsor Alan Conibere, said: ?Although the diversions will add a short amount of time to journeys, motorists will benefit from a quieter, smoother and safer road surface when the works are completed.? The extended diversion route for HGVs is to avoid weight restrictions through Okehampton town centre. The Highways Agency say during 2003 and 2004, three road workers were killed and 27 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads. Drivers approaching roadworks are advised to: l Keep within the speed limit ? it is there for your safety. l Get into the correct lane in good time ? don?t keep switching. l Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. l Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks. l Keep a safe distance ? there could be queues in front. l Observe all signs ? they are there to help you.
