A KEY road in and out of Newton Abbot will be closed for three weeks and under temporary traffic lights for several weeks thereafter, it has been confirmed.

The section of Wolborough Street between Linden Terrace and Pomeroy Road will be closed from July 22 for three weeks.

This is to allow Wales and West Utilities to replace the mains gas pipe.

The road will then be under temporary traffic lights, two and three way, from August 12 until September 6.

And finally, three-way lights from September 9 to October 11.

The official diversion will direct drivers toward Totnes and then Torbay, before travelling along the South Devon highway and back into Newton Abbot and vice versa.

Those familiar with the area will, of course, be tempted to use Coach Road as their alternate route, ignoring the official diversion all together.

It is anticipated, therefore, that Coach Road will become heavily congested throughout the timeframe of the Wolborough Street works.