Massive Crash Shuts Lanes on A38 in Devon, UK, Causing Major Traffic Chaos for Hours

Devon’s major arterial route, the A38, is experiencing significant disruption this afternoon after a road traffic collision on the westbound carriageway, prompting the closure of two lanes and resulting in extensive delays for motorists. The incident occurred between the junction of the A382 at Drumbridges — near Heathfield industrial estate — and the A383 at the Goodstone Junction, close to Ashburton.

Extent of Closure and Expected Traffic Impact

National Highways, the government authority responsible for England’s strategic road network, has confirmed that two lanes of the westbound A38 are currently shut following the crash reported at 11.51 am. Traffic monitoring sources indicate that vehicles are queuing extensively behind the closure, and officials are not anticipating a full return to normal traffic flow until at least 2.45 pm this afternoon.

The closure encompasses a stretch of the carriageway that forms part of the busy Devon Expressway segment of the A38 — a key link from Exeter through to Plymouth — used daily by commuters, freight, and leisure travellers alike.

Location Context: Drumbridges and Goodstone Junction

The A382 — which feeds traffic onto the A38 at the Drumbridges junction — connects Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey, Moretonhampstead, and beyond. This link road is a vital conduit for regional traffic heading towards the A38 and forms part of the broader south‑west transport network in Devon.

Goodstone Junction, where the A383 joins the A38, provides local access towards Ashburton and other Devon towns. With both junction points involved, the disruption affects a significant corridor of regional movement, magnifying congestion as vehicles attempt to divert or wait through the closure.

Official Road Network Response and Planning Considerations

There is no indication at present of any alternative diversion routes officially managed by National Highways or Devon County Council being deployed, but drivers are advised to use live travel update services to plan journeys. Government channels — including the “Traffic England” site managed by National Highways — exist to provide motorists with current alerts and traffic conditions affecting major roads such as the A38.

These live information systems are recommended for real‑time monitoring of incidents and journey planning, ensuring drivers are aware of closures, congestion and possible delays on strategic routes across England, including Devon.

Broader Importance of the A38 in Devon’s Transport Network

The A38 forms one of England’s longest numbered roads, stretching from Bodmin in Cornwall through Devon and across several other counties to Mansfield in the East Midlands. Within Devon it is often referred to as the Devon Expressway — a critical transport link for both local and long‑distance routes.

This road carries a high volume of traffic year‑round, and sections near urban centres such as Exeter and Plymouth are particularly prone to congestion. Incidents on the A38 frequently lead to regional travel disruption, underscoring the importance of up‑to‑date incident reporting and traffic management by highway authorities.

Current Conditions and Motorist Advisory

At the time of reporting, emergency response and recovery efforts are understood to be underway alongside highway maintenance staff, aiming to clear the scene and reopen the carriageway safely as soon as possible. While there has been no official confirmation of injuries or the specific vehicles involved from government sources at the time of this update, the closure’s effect on traffic flow is clear.

Commuters and freight drivers travelling in the Devon area are advised to anticipate extended travel times and plan alternative routes where possible until the closure is lifted. Monitoring official National Highways travel alerts and local authority traffic feeds will provide the most accurate picture of the situation as it develops.

(Disclaimer: the image is for representational purposes only and not of the actual event)

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