Work due to start on new junction near Tiverton

Work on a new £5.7 million junction off the A361 near Tiverton is due to start next month (September).

Roads Minister Jesse Norman carried out a ceremonial turf cutting at the site earlier this week (1 August) to mark the announcement, as part of a whistle-stop tour of road schemes in the county.

The access junction will allow the rest of the highway network to be constructed and unlock the first phase of development of homes, a primary school and employment land to the east of Tiverton, which is earmarked in Mid Devon’s Local Plan.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman, said: “I was delighted to be at the turf cutting for this important project. Devon County Council should be congratulated for getting this scheme shovel-ready and successfully bidding for funds. We have been able to support the scheme through both the new Challenge Fund and the National Productivity Fund, helping to create new jobs, build new homes and benefit Devon’s local economy. Across the country, we are taking big decisions for Britain’s future, by investing in the infrastructure this country needs, so that people have the well-maintained roads they deserve.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: “We’re pleased the Minister could join us to help announce the start of work. This is an important new junction off the Link Road and will open up access to future developments, which will help continue economic growth in the county.”

The scheme is being funded by NPIF (National Productivity Infrastructure Fund), Devon County Council, Mid Devon District Council and developer contributions, and is part of the package of proposals for Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal funding.

Steve Hindley CBE DL, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP said: “We welcome the government’s announcement to improve the road network in and around the Heart of the South West area, in particular, work to improve the North Devon Link Road, which is a crucial route to enable growth. Connectivity is a key success factor for growth in prosperity, and remains one of the LEP’s top priorities. This funding is an investment of the government’s confidence in the South West as a business location with great potential. It shows that the Great South West and the #BackTheSouthWest campaigns are raising the profile of the region.”

Councillor Colin Slade, County Councillor for Tiverton East and Mid Devon District Councillor for the Lowman ward, said: “I’m delighted to see the first stage of this long awaited work. The whole future of the Tiverton EUE depends on the construction of the new junction which will give the developers and contractors the access they need to start the building out of the new houses and other infrastructure. I hope the work goes smoothly and completes on time.”

Site clearance was carried out at the junction site earlier this year in preparation for the start of work which will be carried out by Alun Griffiths Contracting Ltd.