£5.5 million of improvements start at Drumbridges Roundabout on the A38
The Highways Agency and Devon County Council are beginning £5.5 million of improvements next week around Drumbridges Roundabout on the A38 at Newton Abbott.
The work, which includes installing motion sensitive traffic signals and widening the A382 north of Drumbridges Roundabout to Battle Road will increase the capacity on the roundabout and allow more movement of traffic.
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge will also be constructed to connect the Heathfield area to the main cycle route into Newton Abbot.
Highways Agency project sponsor, Dave Stock, said,
We are delighted to be working with Devon County Council on these important improvements which will help to support growth in the surrounding area of Newton Abbot.
The work will result in improved traffic flow through the junction and reduce waiting times. It will also provide a safe means of access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said:
This is another vital investment in Devon’s transport infrastructure which is key to the continuing growth of our local economy.
Devon County Council is pleased to have contributed to the design and funding of these important improvements to Drumbridges roundabout. Local people have helped inform the layout of the scheme through the public consultation events and this scheme should tackle congestion and support future development.
Works start on Monday, 17 November and will continue until March, 2015 when there will be lane closures on A382 northbound, from Drumbridges Roundabout to the Heathfield traffic lights at Battle Road while a temporary footpath is constructed.
Throughout the scheme there will be various lane closures and further details of these will be provided as work progresses.
The works are one of 14 Highways Agency pinch point schemes taking place in the South West. The pinch point programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters, to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.
The programme is part of the Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn statement in November.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.