Green light for £30 million of transport infrastructure

More than £30 million of major transport infrastructure has been approved by Devon County Council’s Cabinet today (Wednesday 10 April).

The programme of transport schemes aims to deliver infrastructure priorities across the county and continues support for sustainable travel to encourage growth in walking, cycling and public transport.

DevonCounty Council Leader John Hart said: "This is a good news story for Devon as this programme will support economic growth, encourage sustainable transport and help achieve the objectives of the Air Quality Management Plans developed in partnership with District Councils. The County is good at working with partners and securing external funding, and a number of schemes in this year's programme are either ready for construction or are in the stages of advanced design."

Among the major schemes which will be getting underway this year is the construction of Main Street at Sherford, in order to link the new development to the A38 Deep Lane junction, which was upgraded in 2017.

Construction is due to start in the autumn on improvements to Moor Lane roundabout in Exeter and a Park and Change site at the Exeter Science Park.

Preparatory work will continue on the Full Business Case for improvements to the North Devon Link Road, after the Outline Business Case was approved last summer.

Walking and cycling routes are also being improved. The Newton Abbot east-west cycle route is currently being built which will link new developments to the town centre. This will connect to the cycle route which will be constructed alongside the A383-A382 Houghton Barton link road.

Work will continue on the E4 strategic cycle route in Exeter, with the construction of the Summer Lane bridge expected to be carried out this financial year.

Designs are being drawn up for a planning application for a pedestrian and cycle bridge at Seven Brethren in Barnstaple which will support the development of an east-west cycle routes across the town.

Pedestrian crossing improvements will be provided on the A386 Plymouth Road in Tavistock, A379 at Yealmpton, A379 Rydon Lane, Landkey Road in Barnstaple, as well as the creation of a cycle crossing on the A376 Exeter Road in Exmouth.

Work will also continue to complete the Wray Valley Multi Use Trail between Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey this summer.

Detailed design work and advanced preparation work for a new railway station at Marsh Barton in Exeter will be progressed.

The County Council will also look to purchase land to deliver safety improvements to the A3121 near Ermington, using £1.9 million of Safer Roads funding from the Department for Transport.

The programme of improvements in Devon uses a range of grant funding including the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal, Housing Infrastructure Fund, National Productivity Investment Fund, Growth and Housing, Safer Roads Fund, Large Local Majors Fund and Major Road Network.