Tithebarn Link Road nears completion

Work on the Tithebarn Link Road is nearing completion, with the first section of the route due to open on Friday 26 June.

The initial stretch will connect Cumberland Way to Pinn Lane. Pinn Lane will be closed to motor vehicles for a short distance immediately south of the new road to remove through-traffic from the southern section of Pinn Lane. This will create a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists.

Work on the remainder of the road, from Pinn Lane to the Science Park, will continue over the coming weeks and should be completed by mid-July.

When complete the new £4.2 million road will provide an alternative link between the city and the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point, connecting the existing Tithebarn Lane bridge and the northern end of Science Park to a new roundabout constructed on Cumberland Way.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The Tithebarn Link Road is an important part of Devon’s transport infrastructure. The scheme supports the ongoing planned growth to the east of Exeter and unlocks access to new employment and housing sites. It will also help with the management of traffic growth as the Growth Point develops, supporting the improvements to Junction 29 of the M5 to ensure that these key junctions continue to operate effectively.”

Councillor Emma Morse, Devon County Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake, said: “I believe that the opening of the link road will have a positive impact, not only on the prosperity of the city but also in offering relief to some of the roads in the local area, and it will continue to do so as more development comes forward.”

The improvements will help tackle congestion and improve the resilience of both the A30 and M5. It will also become an important bus route between Cranbrook, Skypark, Science Park, Monkerton and the city centre.

With Pinn Lane being closed to motor vehicles immediately south of the new road, the Stagecoach ‘B’ service will be re-routed from Pinn Lane via Tithebarn Link, Cumberland Way, Ambassador Drive and Grenadier Road to EDF. It will no longer serve Honiton Road Park and Ride and the Met Office.

Devon County Council successfully secured funding for the scheme from the Department for Transport's Local Pinch Point fund and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Regional Growth Fund. This was combined with local developer contributions and funding from the County Council.