Works to replace an ageing set of traffic signals in Torquay is due to start on Monday 17 October 2022 for nine weeks, with work scheduled to be finished by Thursday 15 December.

The signalised junction at the A3022 Newton Road/Avenue Road near to Torre Railway Station is being upgraded with new traffic signals and improvements will also be made to the existing pedestrian crossing.

The works are part of an ongoing programme of improvement to replace strategic traffic signals, as part of our Local Transport Plan, with new low energy signal apparatus that have up to date control technology built into them.

Temporary traffic lights will be in operation at the junction while the works are underway which is, unfortunately, likely to result in traffic delays. Drivers are advised to take the traffic delays into consideration when planning their journeys and use alternative routes where possible.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet member of Infrastructure, Environment and Culture for Torbay Council said: ‘‘I am pleased that we can invest in upgrading some of our oldest traffic signal installations. The signals at Torre Station are over 30 years old and are well beyond their expected lifespan.

“Traffic signal equipment becomes obsolete as technology improves and it then becomes difficult to maintain and acquire replacement parts, as well as being more expensive to operate. We have several junctions in Torbay that need updating and this is now the third location that we are upgrading as part of this programme. Whilst we are upgrading the signals, we are also taking the opportunity to improve the pedestrian crossing point to make it easier for pedestrians to use.

‘‘I appreciate that these works will cause disruption to traffic at this busy junction, for which we apologise, however the replacement with new signals will reduce the likelihood of longer-term traffic signal problems at this junction in the future.’

The works are being managed and implemented by TDA and SWISCo on behalf of Torbay Council.