An official ceremony was held on Friday morning to mark the official reopening of the A379 at Slapton.

Among guests were Sarah Wollaston MP, members of district and county councils, and many members of the community, who all came together to celebrate “a great achievement”.

Dr Wollaston opened the ceremony, saying that everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved. She also gave a special thanks to Peter Chamberlain, head of planning, transportation and environment at Devon County Council, for achieving everything so quickly.

“This isn’t just a road, this is a link between all the communities along this coastline. I think we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those involved. This was a real partnership and a real tribute to everyone involved,” Dr Wollaston said.

Roger English then talked about how the Slapton Line Partnership was born after the collapse of the road in 2001, and how it has been “an integral part in being able to respond in a prompt manner, in bringing the various parties together, along with community representatives and local authorities”.

DCC chairman, Cllr Caroline Chugg, then unveiled an interpretation panel detailing the timeline for Slapton, including the repairs that have been delivered. The panel can be seen by all in the Slapton monument carpark.

Cllr Chugg, said: “Everyone should take great pride in what’s been achieved here – it has been an ambitious project, and the local community’s patience and understanding has been appreciated. We need to continue working through the Slapton Line Partnership to address ongoing resilience and adapting to future coastal change.”

Cllr Stuart Hughes, DCC cabinet member for highway management, said: “I’m sure everyone was pleased to have the road open in time for half term. It’s fitting that Sarah Wollaston was with us today as she was instrumental in securing funding for the scheme. This new route has been built to be more resilient - we never know what Mother Nature will throw at us but we hope this road will be here for years to come.”

Cllr Julian Brazil said: “A big thank you to everyone. Let’s hope it will last for at least another 20 years.”

Cllr Richard Foss, South Hams District Council ward member for Allington and Strete, said: “It’s really good to have the road open again. Hopefully we won’t have any more beasts from the east in the near future.”

Contractor Alun Griffiths Ltd has realigned two sections of the road, which had been washed away in March. These sections of the route, between Slapton and Strete Gate, have been moved further inland as part of DCC’s scheme.

Due to the environmental sensitivity and designation of the area, the County Council has worked closely with the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Field Studies Council throughout the scheme to preserve wildlife.

A major programme of environmental mitigation work is already underway to manage key features of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Some areas are fenced off to enable shingle vegetation to recover and re-establish itself, an area of boardwalk is being rebuilt, areas of marshland are being recreated and scrub is being maintained to help the population of Cirl buntings.

Work is progressing well on the installation of a new sheet pile wall, to improve a 70-metre stretch of existing sea defences immediately north of Torcross.  

Two-way traffic lights will be in place opposite the ‘Tank’ car park until repairs are finished before Christmas. Access to the car park will remain unaffected.

Improvements are also being planned for the local road network. More passing bays and possible minor junction improvements will be developed to make it easier to travel on alternative routes in the area.