The Government has announced a £60million investment into upgrading the North Devon Link Road and thereby boosting the South West economy.
Work is due to start this month (November 2020) on the A361 project, which is forecast to slash journey times on the stretch between Tiverton and Barnstaple, after the Department for Transport said it would fund the majority of the total £67.6million cost of the scheme.
The major project, being led by Devon County Council, will also boost the regional economy by supporting plans for 6,700 new homes in the region, and by making it easier for people to access job opportunities, and for businesses to get around.
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Upgrades will not only benefit regional travel, they’re also expected to increase cross-country connectivity by improving people’s ability to travel into and out of the South West.
Works will focus on a 4.8-mile stretch between South Molton and Barnstaple. The route will be modernised with a wider carriageway, which will greatly improve overtaking opportunities, safety and resilience.
The road’s capacity and eight key junctions will be upgraded – and, to boost active travel, facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced along the route.
The route provides the most direct link between North and South Devon and is a key route linking the South West to the rest of the 海角视频. It also acts as a crucial link between the key economic centres of Bideford and Barnstaple.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: I’m delighted to announce this funding to upgrade a vital gateway between Devon and the rest of the country.
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“These works will boost connections, cut congestion for drivers and improve people’s quality of life. It’s a clear indication of our commitment to levelling up and investing in transport infrastructure.
“Through these works, we’ll improve people’s ability to travel across the South West while providing thousands with greater access to new homes and new jobs.”
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Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for infrastructure, development and waste, said: “This announcement is fantastic news for local residents and for Devon’s economy.
“The upgrade of this road is the biggest transport investment in north Devon for a generation. It will help unlock the true potential of the local economy in northern Devon, and with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, that’s vital at this time.
“We’ve been working tirelessly on this project for a number of years so it’s great to see that effort rewarded with this government funding. We’ll now be looking to get work started as soon as we can.”
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Improvements to the A361 are the latest boost to transport in Devon, following the opening of the first phase of a new £80million sea wall at Dawlish by rail minister Chris Heaton Harris in September 2020.
This investment will provide a resilient railway for generations to come, the Government said, and forms part of the Government’s commitment to deliver reliable, punctual journeys across Devon and Cornwall, helping the South West “build back better” and supporting the region’s economy and tourism.