A379 Slapton Line – Update 29th January 2026

Update from DCC Highways below.

” Agreement has been given to bring in 500t of Cornish Rock to try and build up some defence on the beach.  There is a section between Torcross and the Memorial Carpark that has lost the protection of the footpath and has been slightly undermined, about a 200m length.  We will try and protect this with the rock, however, it’s a temp fix, and if we reopen the road, this section will have to be placed under traffic lights.  There are a few other smaller sections like this, but not to the extent of the length.

The issue of the damaged sea defences is being looked at by the Structures Team, we are hoping that when the tide drops next week Landmarc can get their digger on to the beach and build a rock wall in front of the collapsed metalwork, to try and reduce the impact of the water on the area.

Following a meeting today with Structures, and the Materials Lab, it has been agreed that due to the road cracking in this location down the centre line, (due to the sub base being washed out), it is unsafe.  We have therefore arranged with SHDCs agreement to remove a section of the bank bordering their carpark, to make a temporary entrance/exit into the area, initially for the rock trucks, to keep them off the weakened surface.

This will likely become a more permanent feature until any works to repair the sea defence is agreed.  In the long term, we will liaise with SHDC as this will have to become a route for all A379 traffic to use.  The alternative to this is to close the A379 from Torcross to the Slapton junction.

We have been made aware of issues on the Promenade and that will need further investigation.

We are expecting more rain over the next few days, with another weather warning tomorrow,  and a high tide on Monday.  The works we are doing are a temporary fix, to try and hold the road in place, and currently there is no defined date when the road might be reopened.  It will remain closed for at least the next week.”