DEVON County Council has announced that upgraded sections of the North Devon Link Road are now open.

Improved stretches of the A361 have been opening in stages and the final developments between South Molton and Portmore roundabout are now substantially complete.

In recent weeks, the new Landkey roundabout, improved sections between Portmore roundabout and Landkey roundabout, and between Landkey roundabout and Harford Cross have all opened, as well as the area from Harford Cross to Yarnacott, which has been widened to provide new overtaking lanes.

The final few areas which have opened over the past few days include Borners Bridge, Hacche Lane, and the new junction and overbridge at West Buckland, which replaces the old staggered crossroads. The last element to be finished was the section from Landkey viaduct through to Tilery Bridge.

Landscaping around the upgraded areas and some minor work will be carried out in the coming months.

Maintenance work is also being planned on main routes through some of the communities that were on diversion routes during construction of the scheme, including resurfacing in Landkey.