The ‘biggest transport investment in North Devon for a generation’ will begin this month after the Department of Transport has signed off on the major improvements to the North Devon Link Road.

The upgrades to the A361 will help unlock the ‘true potential of the local economy in Northern Devon’, with work to begin imminently thanks to £60m of investment announced today by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

The funding will kick-start major works on the A361, also known as the North Devon Link Road – slashing journey times, boosting connectivity and unlocking housing across the region.

The major project, being led by Devon County Council, will boost the local economy by supporting plans for 6,700 new homes in the region, making it easier for people to access job opportunities, and for businesses to get around.

Mr Shapps said: “I am delighted to announce this funding to upgrade a vital gateway between Devon and the rest of the country. These works will boost connections, cut congestion for drivers and improve people’s quality of life.

“It is 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.”

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 is vital at this time.

“We have 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 will now be looking to get work started as soon as we can.”

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The works will focus on a 7.5km stretch between South Molton and Barnstaple and 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 Department for Transport’s investment of £60m, signed off following the submission of the business case by Devon County Council for the improvements, in July, makes up the majority of the total costs of the scheme of £67.6m.

The main work is slated to start in November 2020, with major construction work would likely begin in 2021, and last for around two years.

Advance planting along the 10km length of the scheme between Filleigh and Portmore has been already been completed, with the scheme’s planting programme involves the planting of over 20,000 trees and bushes to establish ecological habitats before the start of construction work and further replacement of trees and bushes which will be removed.

Approximately seven kilometres of “alternating overtaking” lanes to the road between Portmore to Landkey (1km), Landkey to Swimbridge (2km) and Swimbridge to Filleigh Cutting (4km) will be added, with them monitored by average speed cameras, which Devon County Council says will provide “more reliable journey times, less accidents and greater resilience”.

Eight junctions will be improved, while a pedestrian/cycle subway to enable safe passage across the A361 at Bishop’s Tawton, with a spiralling bridge to allow the safe crossing of pedestrians and cyclists from Landkey village and a proposed new housing development at Westacott.

The objectives of the scheme are to reduce journey times, improve highway safety through reducing the rate of fatal and serious accidents and improving network resilience through reducing the effects of accidents and incidents on the road.

The 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.