Drivers were left close to tears after heavy snowfall forced a major route to be closed throughout most of the afternoon. Frustrated motorists told DevonLive they were trapped on the A380 in Devon for hours until the road reopened this evening following a good gritting.
The road was closed northbound between Kingsteignton and the Splatford Split, with another closure southbound from Splatford Split to Ashcombe. It was one of many road closures in the region caused by snowfall but it had the largest impact on motorists, with many telling DevonLive they were stuck there for hours.
Will, who did not wish to give a surname, said he and another person were stuck for three hours this afternoon while trying to travel northbound to Exeter from Brixham for work. Their 4×4 vehicle was stuck from around 2.30pm, when heavy snow started, until around 5.30pm.
“Ended up driving to the A38 from the Telegraph Hill Texaco filling station and queued there to join the A38 near the McDonalds. All traffic fine after Splatford Split,” he explained.
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Another motorist shared video from a similar scene on Haldon Hill, featuring a gritter and emergency sirens. They said the video was taken at around 3pm and they were still stuck on the road at 6.30pm, when they sent in the video footage. They questioned whether they would have to sleep in their car overnight.
Another said: “Four hours many of us have been on here with not much info on what’s being done. There is now a lot of panic starting and tears happening.”
Sharing details to other drivers in the M5 Traffic and Travel Facebook group, another said Haldon Hill was “absolutely rubbish.”
They added: “Went through around 2.30pm. Was horrendous. Hour to get to the top from Newton side Was like a winter wonderland up top!!”
Follow our ongoing live blog for more snow and traffic updates.
National Highways, as of 8.04pm, said the A380 southbound closure had been lifted, though there were still delays on the road as traffic returns to normal. It said: “The #A380 south closure has now been lifted at the split with the #A38 in near #HadonHills. There are 30 minute residual delays on approach so still expect delays whilst traffic flows return to normal. Please ensure to take care as driving conditions are still not ideal.”
The agency said multiple gritters and ploughs were in the process of trying to make the road safe for traffic, as of around 7.30pm. Devon County Council said in a statement Telegraph Hill “was at a standstill” ahead of rush hour this afternoon and, with the road closures in place, the council, police, and National Highways were targeting additional resources to the area.
Earlier today National Highways said: “Heavy snow fall has necessitated the closure of access to the #A380 south at the split with the #A38 in near #HadonHills. Traffic is moving very slowly along the #A38 south with 90 minute delays. Multiple gritter/ploughs are trying to make the #A380 safe for traffic.”
Photos taken from the scene, and National Highways traffic cameras, revealed the extent of the snowfall as it covered the roads and surrounding countryside. Most of the South West has been under a yellow weather warning since 9am today – which the Met Office says is set to last until 11.59pm tonight. A second, more severe amber level snow warning was issued at around 2.30pm and is set to last until 9pm.
The weather has forced some schools in affected areas to announce closures tomorrow morning. You can follow our live blog here for all the updates.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “There has been significant and sustained snowfall on areas of higher ground and widespread areas of the county have seen snow and sleet. With road surface temperatures staying low today and expected to remain below freezing beyond tomorrow morning’s peak travel time, there will be a risk of ice if you’re out and about tonight and in the morning.
“Untreated routes could be particularly treacherous, but please remember that ice can form even on treated routes. Our gritter drivers are working extremely hard. They’re doing everything possible to keep routes clear and help keep Devon moving. If your journey tomorrow morning is essential, please allow extra travel time, drive according to the conditions and take extra care.”