DRIVERS in Bovey Tracey are dealing with traffic ‘chaos’ due to roadworks.

Motorists have described problems getting around the town today (Monday) as work has started to upgrade the gas network. 

Work by Wales and West Utilities began today but the road closures have already caused delays for drivers. 

One said: ‘It’s chaos in Bovey, I would avoid it completely or park up and walk.’

The upgrade work is due to take up to two months. 

Wales and West says it has liaised with Devon County Council highways to plan the work which started in the Station Road area this morning. 

It is hoped, barring any engineering difficulties, it will finish in October. 

Traffic management is in place including a road closure on Station Road, between the junctions of Brook Close and Monks Way and from Lowerdown Pottery to the fire station which will continue from today until October 4. 

The work will be going on during the Bovey Festival. 

Wales & West says it has worked closely with organisers and will ensure access to car parks will be available. 

During the festival, free car parking will be available for visitors in the town centre, in Mill Marsh Park, via St John’s Lane. 

Access will also be maintained to the car park from Monks Way, and from the car park to the festival by pavement and through Mill Marsh Park itself.

Wales & West Utilities Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the work, said: ‘We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. 

‘We’ll have a team of engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

‘This work is essential to keep gas flowing today, and to make sure the network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.’