Road reopens after 'impassable' flooding in Devon
BBCA Devon main road has reopened after flooding and two separate crashes, causing long delays to motorists in the area.
Devon & Cornwall Police said officers were called to two separate crashes at about 08:00 BST on Wednesday on the westbound carriageway of the A30 near Fenny Bridges, Ottery St Mary.
Police said both carriageways were closed while emergency services managed the scene and no injuries were reported.
A spokesperson for National Highways said at about 10:20 the A30 westbound was closed between Honiton and Fairmile due to flooding and the crashes.
They said: "Recovery is now complete and the rainwater has subsided, meaning the road was fully reopened at 10:13."
According to its logs, the spokesperson said motorists faced about 20 minute delays.
At about 11:05, police closed westbound carriageway between Daisymount and Fenny Bridges due to flooding on road.
Officers added: "This is likely to remain the case until the water has subsided."
National Highways said at 11:35 the flooding was clear between Daisymount.
It said: "Delays in the area remain but should now start to ease.
"Thanks for your patience this morning."
Melvin Quartley, control centre team manager for National Highways, said teams had been busy on the south west network due to a "heavy bursts of rain" in a short time.
He said they worked closely with contractors in the area and had at least five crews working on the A30 to assist with clearing and to move the flood water down the drains.
"There was prolonged heavy rainfall in such a short period of time that the drains couldn't cope, hence why the police had to close the road for safety until our contractors arrived.
"The Met Office said the blustery winds and heavy rain will continue over the next few days, some of it will be short and sharp, so we are expecting a few busy days on the network."
Quartley asked people to plan ahead of their journeys, check the forecast and their vehicle to ensure their lights and tyre pressure. He also said for people to try and avoid any flood water and to drive to the conditions.
BBC reporter Sue Paz, who was at the scene, said there were about 6 miles (9.65km) of tailbacks and flooding spread to the opposite carriageway.
She said she was stuck in traffic in the area for about two hours, adding the earlier crashes had a "knock-on effect".
Police said officers were called to a crash involving a car and then another involving three vehicles at the same location.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it attended a four-vehicle crash and on arrival all occupants were free and clear of their vehicles.
"Some required treatment from ambulance personnel," they said.
"Crews assisted police with scene safety and to help reopen the road."
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