From Pam Newby, Exeter 383654, May 23, 2007

THE Barnstaple Western Bypass and Taw Bridge has officially opened.

The £42 million landmark scheme opened to the public today (Wednesday 23 May) after more than two years of construction. Devon County Council first committed funds to developing the Western Bypass in April 1987, to tackle the growing levels of traffic flows in the Barnstaple area which over the past 20 years have increased by 17.1 per cent.

Devon County Council Leader Brian Greenslade described the scheme as the "People's Bypass" while unveiling a plaque and cutting the ceremonial ribbon to open the 2.7km bypass and 409 metre Taw Bridge.

Councillor Greenslade said: "This is a day for celebration.  I hope people will enjoy the day and will safely enjoy the benefits of the bypass.  I cannot think of many large road schemes which have enjoyed such consistent and large levels of public support.  There was no better reflection of this than to see the large numbers of people enjoying the charity fun day.

"Like with the coming of railways to towns in the 19^th century, the bypass will act as a spring board for our town.  I have already heard of plans being formulated for major investment by local companies on the back of the opening.  By taking thousands of vehicles out of the town centre daily the quality of life and the environment for many residents will be greatly improved.

"For the County Council the bypass is only part of the traffic strategy for Barnstaple and we will be working hard to ensure the benefits which accrue from the opening of the bypass will not be lost over time.  The work we are doing with North Devon District Council to improve the Square and the Strand, plus plans for further park and ride sites are all part of the programme to return the town to the people to enjoy."

Bronwyn Hill, Regional Director of the Government Office South West, expressed the Government backing for the scheme. She said: "Having an efficient transport network is vital for the country as a whole and that's clear for somewhere like Barnstaple. It's particularly pleasing to see how this bridge will unlock more benefits for the town and we hope that its completion will allow that growth and prosperity to continue into the future."

The occasion was marked with a blessing by the Rev Vernon Ross, Leader of the Barnstaple Group of Churches, and a fly-past by a helicopter from RAF Chivenor. Dozens of members of the public turned out to show their support at the event, including Neville and Tracey Parr, who had travelled from Victoria in Australia for the occasion, after watching the webcam from down under over the past couple of years to see a relative working on the bridge.

Chairman of Devon County Council, Councillor Des Shadrick, said: "The bridge is not only of huge importance to Barnstaple but also to the whole of North Devon. It's taken a long time but today is one that will be recorded in the history of Barnstaple."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "The bypass is the biggest single civil engineering project prepared and awarded by the County Council for over 20 years, and I'm pleased to say that it has been completed on time and to budget. North Devon has magnificent bridges and this latest one displays a sweeping elegance. Completion of this bypass is a magnificent achievement by the staff of Edmund Nuttall and their consultants Halcrow. And it's taken a great deal of dedication from County Council staff, many of whom have lived, breathed and nurtured this project for over 20 years."

The scheme includes 1km of associated side roads, three new junctions, a 60 metre long viaduct, as well as access from the bypass to the Tarka Trail National Cycle Network and the South West Coast Path National Trail. Cyclists, pedestrians and buses can use a dedicated route underneath Station viaduct to gain access to the railway station and town centre without having to use the new Sticklepath junction.

Contractors Edmund Nuttall Ltd, and its designers Halcrow Group Ltd, started work on site in February 2005. The construction programme was developed to reduce the impact of noise and disturbance on the wildlife and habitats on the Taw Estuary, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Steve Brackenbury, spokesman for Edmund Nuttall Ltd, said: "Our site team should feel proud today. The contract has progressed so successfully and smoothly thanks to the help of our clients, Devon County Council, our designers Halcrow, and all our suppliers and subcontractors.

"The contract has been a technologically innovative one requiring considerable liaison with third parties and agencies, but our task has been made easier by the fact that everybody in North Devon wants the bypass. That positive attitude has probably been the single most important external factor to help us to a most rewarding conclusion, producing the best possible finished article. We are proud to have been associated with the construction of the bypass and hope that the residents of Barnstaple are happy with the end result."

Motorists are being reminded to take extra care to familiarise themselves with the changes to the traffic system for Barnstaple.

In conjunction with the opening, work is being carried out in the Square to switch over to a new road layout, which will be available for traffic to use from tomorrow (Thursday 24 May) morning. The layout will be simplified by removing car traffic to the Square from The Strand and from Taw Vale.

The Strand will become a one-way street from the Square to Cross Street and will be pedestrianised from 10am to 6pm daily. Access to the Square from Taw Vale will only be permitted for buses, taxis and bicycles. The layout is designed to aid the flow of traffic as well as providing a high quality public space in the heart of the town centre.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Greenslade can be contacted on 01271 372065

Councillor Rogers can be contacted on 01297 680384

For more information contact the Media PR Office on 01392 383262.