Kingsbridge Town Council has confirmed that the roads affected by the culvert works will reopen at 10am on Friday, August 14, following the successful completion of the Fore Street culvert restoration.

The project, which was described as an exceptionally complex engineering challenge, has been completed three weeks earlier than originally anticipated.

A community celebration will be held to mark the reopening, beginning with a welcome from Town Crier Roger Pinder.

Kingsbridge Mayor Cllr Julia Wingate and Bro Potter, the contract manager who has overseen the project, will then jointly cut the ribbon to officially reopen the road.

The ceremony will be followed by a procession of classic cars travelling up Fore Street, accompanied by emergency service vehicles, subject to operational availability.

Mayor Cllr Julia Wingate thanked those involved in the project, as well as residents and businesses who have been affected by the road closure.

“We are incredibly grateful to the operatives who have worked tirelessly on this project, completing the culvert restoration three weeks earlier than anticipated,” she said.

“Their dedication and skill have delivered a solution to an exceptionally complex engineering challenge.

“I would also like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding throughout the road closure.

“The restored culvert will ensure the long-term stability of Fore Street and strengthen the resilience of our local infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming everyone back into the town.”

The reopening will also be supported by an extension to free parking in the town.

The existing concession providing free parking at Quay Car Park and Fore Street Car Park will continue until August 31.

The extension has been agreed between Devon County Council and South Hams District Council and is intended to support residents, businesses and visitors as Fore Street returns to normal.