Tramline improvements underway at Colyford

Improvements to the Seaton Tramway tracks are now underway at the Colyford level crossing, with the road expected to remain closed until Tuesday, January 12.

The A3052 - a main route between Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and Exeter - was closed at the level crossing on Monday to allow Seaton Tramway to remove and replace the tracks and foundations.

The tram line between Seaton and Colyton took 10 years to complete when the tramway started operating from Riverside Depot in 1970, running first only half a mile to Bobsworth bridge.

The team made their way closer and closer to Colyton as they laid the track by hand, on top of the bed of the old railway line that once linked Seaton to Exeter and London.

Using a team of volunteers and its one works car and wagon, it was not until 1975 that trams could finally cross the road and complete their journey towards Colyton.

After 45 years of wear and tear the track and road is now in need of replacement.

The replacement rails will be laid at a new angle to better suit the points at Colyford and new track laid just north of the Colyford crossing.

Once the work is completed, it will also see the installation of a new overhead system which has been delayed to coincide with the track work to avoid a second road closure.

The track replacement is one of a few improvement projects being undertaken by the tramway over the next 12 months, including a new halt at Swans Nest Loop which will eventually allow passengers to board directly at Seaton Wetlands.

The official diversion during the road closure, to be signposted by Devon County Council, will direct traffic coming from Sidmouth off the A3052 at Burnt Oak onto the A357, up to Putts Corner, into Honiton and out on the A35 on the Axminster Road, then along the A358 through Musbury to Boshill Cross.

A representative of Seaton Tramway said: "We are pleased that a road closure order has been granted to allow us to undertake these essential works. We will be working closely with our main contractors to remove the existing 45-year-old track and replace with newly sourced rails and more substantial footings.

"Of course, in doing this the carriageway must be closed off to road traffic for the whole duration of the works as we are governed by the curing time of the foundations. All versions of a road closure have been explored but we want to ensure the works are done right and survive the next 40 plus years without further disrupting the A3052.

"We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience this causes during these essential works."

The A3052 will see more disruption later in the month, with a planned closure at Axmouth for overnight resurfacing work to be carried out between 7pm and 7am from January 25 to February 2.