An A38 crash in Devon has closed two westbound lanes and created long delays on the Devon Expressway, affecting traffic between Drumbridges and the Goodstone Junction.
Summary: An A38 crash in Devon has shut two westbound lanes between the A382 at Drumbridges and the A383 at Goodstone Junction, causing long queues and disruption across the Devon Expressway on 7 February 2026.
Devon’s A38 experienced significant disruption on the afternoon of 7 February 2026 after a collision on the westbound carriageway. The incident, reported at 11:51 am, forced the closure of two westbound lanes between the A382 Drumbridges junction — near the Heathfield industrial estate — and the A383 at Goodstone Junction close to Ashburton, producing lengthy queues for motorists.
Where and when the collision occurred
National Highways confirmed the westbound closure after the crash and traffic monitoring feeds showed vehicles backing up behind the scene. Officials said they did not expect normal traffic flow to resume until at least 2:45 pm on the same afternoon, as recovery and scene clearance work continued.
Extent of the disruption on the Devon Expressway
The affected stretch forms part of the Devon Expressway, the busy section of the A38 that links Exeter and Plymouth. This corridor carries commuter traffic, freight movements and leisure travel, so closures on this segment often lead to wider regional delays.
- Incident reported: 11:51 am on 7 February 2026
- Effect: Two westbound lanes closed on the A38
- Location: Between A382 Drumbridges (near Heathfield) and A383 Goodstone Junction (near Ashburton)
- Estimated return to normal traffic: Not expected until at least 2:45 pm
Local road connections impacted
The A382 at Drumbridges feeds traffic onto the A38 from Newton Abbot and areas such as Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead. The A383 at Goodstone Junction provides access toward Ashburton and other nearby towns. With both junctions involved, the closure disrupted a key regional movement corridor as drivers sought alternatives or queued through the affected stretch.
Official response and where to get live updates
- National Highways: live alerts and Traffic England maps
- Devon County Council: local traffic and travel notices
- Local radio and traffic monitoring services for real-time diversions
Why the A38 closure has wider implications
The A38 is one of England’s longest numbered roads and within Devon is a vital east–west link used for local commuting and longer-distance travel. Disruptions on this route can cascade across the regional network, affecting delivery schedules, public transport timetables and leisure journeys.
Current scene and safety actions
Emergency responders and highway recovery teams were reported to be working at the scene to make the carriageway safe and to clear vehicles. At the time of the update there was no official confirmation of injuries or the exact vehicles involved from government sources.
Motorists: expect delays and consider alternative routes. Check Traffic England and Devon County Council feeds before travelling through the area.
So what? For drivers, freight operators and local travellers, this A38 crash underscores the importance of checking live travel information and allowing extra time when planning journeys in and around Devon. For the wider transport network the incident highlights how single collisions on strategic routes can produce significant ripple effects — affecting schedules, deliveries and commuter journeys until the carriageway is fully reopened.
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