THE A3052 (High Street) at Newton Poppleford will re-open to light vehicles and buses on Monday, October 28.

However temporary traffic lights will be in use from Monday for eight weeks along the High Street as South West Water continues its work, replacing an ageing water mains in the village.

The traffic lights are likely to cause delays. Clearly signed diversion routes for HGVs only will be in place.

The road has been closed completely to traffic since Saturday, October 5.

During the £500,000 scheme South West Water has been upgrading 1,025 metres of old three-inch concrete water mains in Newton Poppleford to address the issue of frequent bursts in the area.

Project manager James Howourth said: “We have been working 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week to keep our promise to re-open the road after three weeks.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the residents who have made us welcome, in particular to Janice Voce who set up a gazebo on her lawn with a tea urn and biscuits for the guys – and even cooked them a curry!

“Because we have now completed work in the narrowest sections of the road, cars and buses will be able to use the A3052 under temporary traffic lights. It will be a tight squeeze though, so please bear with us. HGVs will have to use the existing diversion route for the remaining eight weeks.

“Once again, we’d like to remind everyone that all businesses in the area are open and we would urge people to support their local traders during this time.”

There is a dedicated page on South West Water’s website, www.southwestwater.co.uk/newtonpop, which is updated with progress every week.