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Update on the M5 Junction 29 Improvement

The Junction 29 improvement scheme started in May this year. Work is progressing well and the contractor has so far concentrated on widening to create more lanes in the A30 central reservation, M5 northbound exit and southbound exit slip roads. Construction of the link road to the old A30 at Blackhorse, within the former Redhayes parkland, is also advancing satisfactorily.

Once complete, the link road will connect to the A30 trunk road via a new signal junction, replacing the current Blackhorse interchange and providing a right turn facility from the A30 eastbound to the M5 southbound.  Access to the new Exeter Science Park will also be available for people travelling westbound on the A30.

The northbound M5 exit slip will be widened and realigned as it approaches the A30, to form a ‘T’ Junction, which will also be traffic signal controlled. This realignment removes the existing eastbound four lane start, which is just beyond the M5 bridge. A new combined footpath and cycleway route will also form part of the works, together with bus lanes on the A30 in both directions.

The scheme will open up access to the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point and is one of the many projects being delivered as a result of the public and private sector Growth Point Partnership. It forms part of the transport package for the Growth Point that will ensure that the transport system supports strategic development which will drive economic growth and prosperity in Devon.

The Growth Point includes the Exeter Science Park and Skypark business development, which together are expected to create more than 10,000 jobs and generate around £450million in private sector investment. It also features an intermodal freight and distribution facility and the new community of Cranbrook.

M5 southbound exit slip closure

Road users are advised the southbound exit slip road of Junction 29 of the M5 will be closed during October half term due to the works. The closure will be in place from 8pm on Friday 21 October until 6am on Monday 31 October to enable construction work to be carried out safely. The work will involve earthworks, drainage, and construction of gantry bases, carriageway widening and surfacing. A diversion route will be signed using Junction 30.

An advisory 50mph speed limit will be in place on the M5 between Junctions 29 and 30. Signs advising of the slip road closure will be placed at Junction 28 for M5 southbound traffic. At peak times, the traffic signals at Junction 30 Sandygate will be adjusted to give greater priority to the southbound exit slip road, in order to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Further weekend closures may be needed during November, and if so, details will be given nearer the time.

Contractor South West Highways Ltd is carrying out the work on behalf of Devon County Council.

Junction 29 Improvements - Scheme plan (2.47MB - pdf help)