Remedial work needed on Tiverton traffic calming

Essential remedial work will have to be carried out to traffic calming on Blundell’s Road in Tiverton, starting from this Saturday (21 January).

Devon County Council has confirmed that it cannot accept the structures on the public highway as the profile and shape of ten of the traffic calming ramps have not met specifications.

SIAC Construction Ltd will carry out the repair work at its own expense. It will undertake the work over the next three Saturdays between 8am and 5pm. Stop/go boards will be used while work is ongoing.

The repair scheme will start at the ramp at the east end of Tidcombe Junction and will head west through the work. As each ramp is completed the stop/go boards will be moved to the new location.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "The work on the traffic calming in Blundell's Road is not up to the required standard and therefore we cannot accept the work. The taxpayer won't be footing the bill for this remedial work - the contractor will be paying to put it right. It's unfortunate that this work has to be done again, but it's being carried out on Saturdays to minimise disruption."

Councillor Des Hannon, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said: “Residents chose a traffic calming scheme. No-one mentioned an assault course or tank traps. I'm delighted it's being fixed without wasting a single penny of public money. It's just a shame we have to put up with yet more disruption before it's finally put right. I'm sure I'll not be alone in checking the finish this time is exemplary.”

The enhancements and traffic calming improvements were completed in October as part of a scheme to reduce speeds and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road.  The improvements are needed ahead of proposed housing and employment development to the east of Tiverton. Access to premises will be maintained during the remedial work.