Long traffic queues as main road is closed

Cars were at a standstill on Magdalen Road due to the road closure

There have been long traffic queues around Exeter at the beginning of the second phase of a major project to upgrade gas pipes.

Heavitree Road and Polsloe Road are closed to people heading out of Exeter and that is forcing buses and drivers to find alternative routes.

The firm behind the scheme, Wales and West Utilities, said it finished the first phase of the works 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.

The main closure between Gladstone Road and Polsloe Road is due to continue until 5 October and four-way traffic lights will be in place around the College Road junction from 13 to 26 October.

Heavitree Road is closed to drivers heading out of Exeter while gas works are carried out

Other main roads in and out of the city such as Magdalen Road, Topsham Road and Pinhoe Road have all been severely congested as a result of the works which started on Monday.

Roxanne Whittaker, from Wales & West Utilities, said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"We'll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum."

Women's Rugby World Cup games were held at Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs, in August and September with the last fixture there held on Sunday.