From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, April 22, 2008

AN exhibition outlining the Transport Infrastructure Proposals for the East of Exeter will start on Friday. (25 April)

Devon County Council is hosting the public exhibition to provide information about the improvements planned for the area on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to the M5 motorway and A30 trunk road to Honiton. These works will support transport links to the proposed housing and employment developments.

The exhibition will be held in a lay-by just west of the junction of the old A30(Honiton Road) and B3184 in Clyst Honiton. It will be open to the public from 9am to 8 pm on Friday, continuing on Saturday (26 April) from 9am to 4pm.

The infrastructure for the development of the Cranbrook new community, SkyPark, the airport expansion, inter-modal freight terminal, and Science Park, will be constructed in phases. Phase one includes a new rail station, a bypass at Clyst Honiton and improvements to Junction 30 of the M5, all to be delivered through developer funding. Phase two is a package of improvements containing major improvements to the A30 at Junction 29 of the M5, closure of the slip roads off the A30 at Blackhorse, and also provision of bus lanes at various locations.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "These proposals are the result of lengthy discussions with the Highways Agency. This is such an important site to the future of Devon's economy that this has to be right. "

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "Devon County Council staff have been working tirelessly for many months to progress these proposals, and their efforts have helped us reach a point where the Cranbrook development can now become a reality. These proposals to upgrade the two motorway junctions and improve transport links are essential in providing the new developments planned for the east of Exeter. This exhibition is a great opportunity for people to see what it planned for the future of this site."

A joint study has been undertaken by Devon County Council, the Highways Agency and the South West of England Regional Development Agency to identify these transport proposals which have been agreed by both Highway Authorities.

The estimated cost for Phase 2 is £17.3million which will be funded by the County Council and the Department for Transport and includes developer contributions. A Major Scheme Bid for funding will be submitted to the Department for Transport in May.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, 07966 411654.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.