Transport Planning
A39 Westleigh Junction
BACKGROUND
There have been long standing safety concerns at this location for turning vehicles. A safety review conducted in 2007 identified that the main collision problems were:
- Traffic turning right from A386 conflicting with east bound traffic on the A39
- Traffic turning right from A39 to the A386 conflicting with east bound traffic on the A39
- A high proportion of the accidents involved elderly drivers (8 out of the 13 accidents)
A number of options had been considered in terms of their ability to deliver a reduction in accidents and accommodate future travel demand. It was recommended that a traffic signal layout would be the most appropriate design, subject to consultation and further scheme development.
FUTURE GROWTH
North Devon Council and Torridge District Council are currently consulting on the local Development Framework for Northern Devon. This envisages considerable growth in housing and employment at Bideford, East the Water and Barnstaple and it is therefore anticipated that demands for vehicular movement on the A39 will increase significantly during the next fifteen years.
PROPOSAL
It is proposed to modify the existing junction layout to accommodate traffic signals. This will include a high level gantry signal head above the carriageway on the Barnstaple approach. The scheme will also include introducing a mandatory 40 mph speed limit to replace the current advisory one.
- Consulation Plan
(432KB - pdf help)
CONTACT DETAILS
If you would like to comment on the proposed scheme then please write to:-
Simon Hill
Devon County Council
Engineering Design Group
Civic Centre
Barnstaple EX31 1ED
