A major police incident has resulted in the closure of a Devon road overnight and it is likely to remain closed for much of this morning, Sunday, May 26. The A38 is closed in both directions between the B3193 (Chudleigh) and the A382 (Heathfield). We will keep updating this story as and when we get new information.
According to traffic news website Inrix, the incident occurred around 11.25pm yesterday, Saturday, May 25, and the road closures is by the B3344 Chudleigh / Kingsteignton turn-off to the A382 Drum Bridges, Heathfield. A diversion route remains in place.
National Highways says the road will be closed throughout the morning. DevonLive has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for more details about this incident.
Read more:
- Devon road blocked both ways after incident - live updates
Devon court lists: 21 cases including attempted murder and puppy abuse
We'll bring you all the latest on this in the live blog below. Scroll down for more updates.
Anita Merritt
The road has fully reopened
The road is now fully reopened, according to travel news alert service Inrix.
Anita Merritt
Eastbound carriageway reopens
The eastbound carriageway of the A38 has now reopened. The westbound carriageway remains closed.
Anita Merritt
The location of the incident
#Devon The A385 is closed at Totnes due to an RTC. Expect delays here and please use alternative routes where possible. SH @BBCDevon @StagecoachSW pic.twitter.com/O8xlhPxk8p
— Devon Alert (@DevonAlert) May 26, 2024
Anita Merritt
Drivers are being advised to avoid the area
National Highways is advising drivers to avoid the area or delay journeys if possible. Signed diversions are in place in both directions between Chudleigh and Heathfield but it is not suitable for HGVs whose drivers should use alternative routes such as the A380.
Drivers planning to use the A38 are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys. Live traffic information is always available at www.trafficengland.com or from National Highways’ 24-7 customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000. Updates will also be posted on the @HighwaysSWest X (Twitter) feed.
Anita Merritt
Police confirm a pedestrian has died
It has been confirmed by police that a pedestrian has died and her next of kin have been informed.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are in attendance at a fatal incident involving a pedestrian. The southbound carriageway of the A38 is currently closed at Chudleigh Knighton.
"A woman has been reported to have died. Her next of kin have been informed.
"The ambulance and fire services also attended the incident. The road has been closed in both directions and is likely to remain so for some time. Road users are advised to seek alternative routes.
"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circ*mstances. The incident is ongoing."
Anita Merritt
Queuing traffic at the scene last night
Anita Merritt
Diversion routes
Westbound:
Non-HGV traffic:
- Leave the A38 westbound at Chudleigh and join the B3193/B3344 southbound
- Continue southbound on the B3193 towards Sandygate and Kingsteignton
- Turn right at the roundabout with Strap Lane and join Strap Lane which becomes Exeter Road and head towards the A382
- At the junction with the A382, turn right and join the A382 northbound Exeter Road which becomes Bovey Tracey Road
- Continue northbound on the A382 to then re-join the A38 westbound at Drumbridges Roundabout near Heathfield
HGV traffic is advised to seek alternative routes such as the A380 from Splatford Split.
Eastbound:
Non-HGV traffic:
- Leave the A38 eastbound at the Drumbridges Roundabout near Heathfield
- Join the A382 southbound towards Newton Abbott
- At the junction with the B3193 Exeter Road, turn left and join Exeter Road northbound
- Continue on the B3193 Exeter Road northbound towards Sandgyate and then continue heading towards Chudleigh
- Re-join the A38 eastbound at Chudleigh
HGV traffic is advised to seek alternative routes such as the A382/A380 to re-join the A38 at Splatford Split.
Anita Merritt
Police are unable to release any further details at this time
Police have confirmed they were called to reports of an incident on the A38 just before 11pm yesterday, May 25, and it is not yet known when the road will reopen.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "We are unable to share any more details at this time."
A statement is expected to be released by police later today.
Anita Merritt
Road closure warning
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) May 25, 2024The #A38 in #Devon is closed westbound between the #B3193 (#Chudleigh) and the #A382 (#Heathfield) due to a @dc_police incident.
Due to the nature of the incident, the closure is expected to be in place throughout the night.
More information here: https://t.co/nZWgNMNZHz pic.twitter.com/dINMu5Q7xD
