Works to water, gas and retaining wall to cause multi-week closures
Devon County Council has published a programme of temporary traffic orders that will shape travel across eastern Exeter through the late summer and into September. The measures, which include full road closures, parking suspensions and diverted walking and cycling routes, are being put in place to allow water main, gas main and retaining wall works to be carried out safely.
The orders affect several neighbourhoods, with the most significant disruption centred on Alphington, the Marsh Barton trading estate and the St Thomas area. Motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses are being urged to check the signed diversion routes and to allow extra time for journeys.
Key dates and locations
| Location | Work | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Park Road | No waiting and road restrictions for lead replacement (South West Water) | Until 21 August 2026 |
| Cycle track from Hennock Road Central to Grace Road South & Footpath 26 | Prohibition of pedestrians with signed diversion | Until 21 September 2026 |
| Cowick Lane & Balls Farm Road | Prohibition of through traffic and parking for gas mains replacement (Wales and West Utilities) | Until 1 September 2026 |
| Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton | Closure for gas mains replacement (Wales and West Utilities) | Until 21 September 2026 (from 10 August) |
| A396 Stoke Road | Full closure and no waiting for retaining wall works (Engineering Design Group) | 17–28 August 2026 |
What residents need to know
Signed diversions are in place for each closure, but drivers should expect longer journey times and altered local access. The council notice highlights that utility works may include the renewal or transfer of service pipes to adjacent premises, which can result in periods when access to individual properties will be temporarily restricted.
- Victoria Park Road: no waiting and road restrictions in place to support a lead replacement programme; local traffic management will operate.
- Cycle track / Footpath 26: pedestrians are prohibited on the cycle track between Hennock Road Central and Grace Road South; a signed diversion via Hennock Road Central, Alphinbrook Road and Grace Road South is in operation.
- Cowick Lane & Balls Farm Road: through traffic and parking are prohibited while old metallic gas mains are replaced with new plastic mains; there are multiple signed diversion routes through Alphington and Cowick Street.
- Alphin Brook Road (Marsh Barton): long closure with no waiting to facilitate gas main work; businesses on the trading estate should check access arrangements.
- A396 Stoke Road: full closure for retaining wall works between 17 and 28 August — expect significant disruption on this arterial link.
"Signed diversions and parking suspensions are in place,"
The council’s notice provides detailed diversion maps for each closure. For those who cycle or walk in and around Marsh Barton, the prohibition on pedestrians using the cycle track is particularly important: the alternative route uses roads that may have different traffic characteristics than the usual off‑road path.
Local consequences and practical tips
Marsh Barton is home to many businesses and light industry; prolonged closures on Alphin Brook Road are likely to affect deliveries and staff travel patterns. Meanwhile, works on Cowick Lane and Balls Farm Road will alter cross‑town journeys between St Thomas and Alphington and could increase peak‑time congestion on surrounding routes.
Practical steps for residents and commuters:
- Check the council and utility company websites for the latest diversion maps and timescales before travelling.
- If you live on a street affected by works, contact the relevant utility company or check the council communications for details about access to your property during works.
- Allow extra time for journeys, consider alternative routes, and be prepared for changes to local parking provision.
These works are part of ongoing investment in the city’s infrastructure. While the short‑term inconvenience is real, the upgrades — from lead pipe replacement to new gas mains and essential retaining wall repairs — are aimed at improving safety and reliability for Exeter’s residents and businesses in the months and years ahead.
