Update - Wednesday 6 November 2024
The current works to upgrade the Windy Corner junction are progressing well and are on schedule to be completed before Christmas. But we are advising that while the end is in sight, increased disruption to traffic is expected during the final phase from Wednesday 6 November 2024.
During this final phase the three-way lights will be back in place, ending the period of two-way traffic on Dartmouth Road. This change is needed for the safety of the workforce and road users while the final works are carried out on the traffic islands and to install new signals.
We are aware this change is likely to cause extra disruption to travel. You should expect longer delays and leave extra time for your journey.
The developer and contractor are trying to get the work done as quickly as possible to minimise the disruption. Our highways team continue to work with them and the police to optimise traffic flows and ensure pedestrian safety.
The good news is that the contractor has made good progress on the overall scheme so far due to favourable weather. But while the works are currently on schedule to finish well before Christmas, further progress is dependant on the weather.
October 2024
The roadworks at Windy Corner have now moved into the second phase.
This is to allow a retaining wall to be built. The footway and cycleway can then be widened, and the junction layout changed.
These works will last several weeks. During this time there will be two-way traffic along Dartmouth Road to improve the flow.
After that, work will take place to:
- rebuild the traffic islands
- install traffic lights
- complete the project
Temporary lights are in place to ensure the safety of the workforce and all road users.
Our highways team continue to work with the contractor and police to optimise traffic flows and ensure pedestrian safety.
September 2024
Changes to traffic management at Windy Corner to improve traffic flows
Our highways team has been working with the contractor and the police to improve traffic flows through the Windy Corner junction, following long delays faced by motorists on Monday.
We understand how frustrating it is to be sitting in traffic due to roadworks. After a meeting on Tuesday between our highways team, the police and the contractor, further changes have been made to the temporary lights and signs to improve the flows. This seems to be having a positive effect.
To minimise disruption, the temporary lights are staffed at all times from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday to monitor traffic flows and make changes as needed. There is never a good time for roadworks, and our highways team is continuing to work with the contractor and the police to make improvements where possible.
While the works are taking place, we would ask motorists to leave more time for their journeys and to avoid peak periods. We understand this is not possible for everyone and we know it takes time to change routines.
We also want to reassure you that there is a traffic management plan in place and we work with all the emergency services to ensure they can get where they need to without extra delay.
The temporary lights are needed to ensure the safety of the workforce and all road users. Unfortunately, traffic flows are slower through temporary lights than the permanent lights, but the ongoing management is taking place to minimise disruption.
This is the third and final phase of work at Windy Corner. It was delayed from last year and the busiest time during the summer was avoided, but it cannot wait any longer. The changes are needed to increase the capacity of the junction as a result of the Inglewood development.
The first part of the project is to remove the traffic islands, and the traffic management will change as the work moves through different phases. It is hoped that it will be completed by Christmas, but this is dependant on the weather. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
August 2024
Windy Corner Highways Works (Phase 3)
The next phase of highways works at Windy Corner will start on Monday 16 September 2024.
The developer Persimmon has appointed Roadform Ltd to carry out the works. They are planned to be completed by Christmas 2024. The contractor will try to finish earlier, but this depends on the weather.
Dartmouth Road and Brixham Road will be open at all times and the works will be done under traffic management.
The project starts with the removal of the traffic islands. So for the whole of the works, the Windy Corner junction will have three-way and four-way temporary lights.
To help speed up traffic and minimise disruption, the Langdon Lane access to the A379 will be closed.
To respond to peak times and optimise traffic flows, the lights will be staffed from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
The temporary lights will mean traffic runs slower than with permanent lights, but the contractor will manage the lights to minimise disruption.
Phase 1: Removal of traffic islands
This plan shows the first activities to allow the traffic islands to be removed.
Phase 2: Retaining wall to be built
This plan shows the second stage for a retaining wall to be built, allowing the footpath/cycleway to be widened and the junction changed.
Phase 3: Islands and signals completed
This plan shows the third phase of work, to allow the middle islands to be renewed and to complete the signals and islands.
Alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists
The traffic signals and location of works may change from day to day, but always with the aim of minimising disruption to traffic.
Footpath closures will be needed, but alternative routes will be available for pedestrians and cyclists.
In some areas, cyclists may need to dismount due to restricted pavement widths.
Any queries relating to the works or programme should be emailed to engagement@torbay.gov.uk.