WORK on the long-awaited Dawlish link road could be finished soon.

It is understood contractors Montel Group may be nearing completion on the scheme to provide a road linking new housing development and the main A379.

Work on the £6.2million road was due to have finished this summer.

In April, a 26m bridge was lifted into place, using a 500 ton crane, as part of the project.

The scheme is aimed at easing congestion on the A379 by linking the road at Shutterton to housing development at Secmaton Farm.

Work on the link road started in 2023, seven years after it was originally planned.

Residents called it the ‘missing link’ road after hundreds of homes were built before any work on the relief road was started.

In September, Montel issued an update on progress on the project to build the 26m bridge, 110m of carriageway on an embankment including footways and cycleway and a further 360m of carriageway.

The aim is to allow access to load for further housing development.

The update said: ‘We are excited to share that our project is nearing completion.’

Proposals for the road were first put forward when housing development was considered to the north east of the town.

Heavy traffic has been a constant issue along Elm Grove Road which is home to two schools.

The link road has been part of Teignbridge Council’s local plan, described as a ‘key step’ in achieving the aim to link new homes directly onto the A379 Exeter Road.

Previously the authority said: ‘When complete, construction and new housing generated traffic will head out of Dawlish northwards towards Exeter rather than going along Elm Grove Road and past two schools.

‘The link road will provide a bus route, cycling lanes and footpaths, boosting more sustainable transport options.’

Government funding for the project was first agreed in 2019 but since then, planning permission has been granted for homes on either side of the Shutterton Brook.

The road was described by Devon County Council asa ‘key link’ to provide access to new homes.