Diversions have been imposed on the popular scenic coach route along the coast of south Devon using the A379 from Torquay to Teignmouth. This is due to an indefinite three tonne weight restriction on the Shaldon Bridge, which crosses the river Teign between Shaldon and Teignmouth.
During an inspection, it was discovered that one of the piles supporting the bridge is not made of concrete and steel as was previously thought, but is in fact made of wood that is deteriorating due to it being constantly submerged. Divers have been called in by Devon County Council to further inspect the bridge to see if there are any other wooden piles supporting the structure and to assess their condition.
While the bridge is being inspected, it will remain open to traffic, but a temporary three tonne weight restriction will be in place indefinitely as a precaution. It is uncertain at this stage to say how long the weight restriction will be in place.
A spokesman for the Highways Management team of Devon County Council said: “The bridge is inspected regularly and is safe to use. It is essential however that drivers of vehicles that exceed the limit abide by the restrictions and use the signed diversion route.
“At this stage we do not know how long the weight restriction will be in place and it is dependent on what the inspection finds.”
Diversions will be in place which will affect coach drivers from Torquay & Paignton who use the scenic coast road when visiting places like Teignmouth, Dawlish, Powderham Castle, Exeter,
Exmouth and Sidmouth. Coach drivers are advised to avoid the A379 from Torquay to Shaldon/Teignmouth completely unless they are visiting Shaldon Zoo, which should only be approached from Torquay. Drivers visiting Teignmouth, Dawlish and beyond should leave Torquay on the A380 and then travel along the north side of the Teign estuary only on the A381 to Teignmouth, where they can pick up the A379 to Dawlish.
