Extra week of main road closure in Exeter

Heavitree Road will be closed for an extra week due to engineering problems

A main road closure that has caused major traffic problems in Exeter will be closed for a week longer than expected due to engineering problems.

Heavitree Road - the main bus route in and out of Exeter - will now be closed heading out of the city until Monday 13 October.

The road was due to reopen last Sunday but Wales and West Utilities said work to upgrade the gas network had "taken longer than expected".

The road closure has caused extensive tailbacks on roads around the city as drivers have been diverted and looking for other routes.

Drivers are being diverted from Heavitree Road in Exeter due to the ongoing roadworks

Wales and West Utilities said it finished the first phase of the works on Fore Street in August but agreed with Devon County Council to begin phase two after the Women's Rugby World Cup games had been held in the city.

Polsloe Road and Grendon Road are also closed as the work continues.

The bus lane on Heavitree Road is also due to remain closed until 26 October, with four-way traffic lights in place on College Road and Gladstone Road.

Roxanne Whittaker, from Wales and West Utilities, apologised for any inconvenience and said the work was "essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses".