The A382 is a strategically important link and the project has been chosen as it reflects similar schemes nationwide.
The improvements stretch from Drumbridges on the A38 to Churchill’s roundabout in Newton Abbot. As well as a new link road, the project includes the new Jetty Marsh Phase II road between Whitehill Cross to West Golds Way, and a new road connecting the A382 to the A383 at Houghton Barton.
The project includes a combination of road widening, junction improvements and the provision of pedestrian and cycle lanes to support the development of housing and employment land allocated nearby in the Teignbridge Local Plan.
Live Labs opportunities
The major upgrade will not only improve the current poor quality link between the A38 and Newton, but it will also provide the opportunity to test carbon reducing interventions:
| A382 Project Element | Pre Live Labs | Live Labs Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
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Most of the A382 route is of a rural layout, comprising a low standard single carriageway with poor alignment (minimum width 5.5 metres) and no verges. There is no pedestrian provision and the narrow road is dangerous for non-motorised users. The route is approaching capacity and therefore delivers a reduced level of service; the section into Newton Abbot town centre is slow moving at peak times.
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Horizontal and vertical realignment |
Earthworks: Recycling existing material Drainage: SUDS and incorporation of biochar in landscaping Pavements: In-situ carriageway recycling, with biogenic binders Alternative concretes: Cement options, clinker free, biochar, graphene |
| The collision rate for the A382 MRN route is 245 collisions per billion vehicle kilometres, higher than both the national and DCC 5-year rural A roads average. Moreover, at Whitehill Cross lies one of 4 collision cluster sites on DCC’s MRN network described as a ‘live site under ongoing investigation’. | New roundabouts at Trago Mills, Forches Cross and Whitehills |
Geometric Standards: Relaxations Lighting Illuminous and/or reflective road markings Alternative anti-skid surfacing Drainage Reduction in formal drainage, above ground solutions prioritised.
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| Teignbridge District Council’s Local Plan Policy HT1 (c) strongly supports “realignment of the A382 Bovey Tracey road between Newton Abbot and Drumbridges roundabout at the A38 and separate cycle lanes” in order to improve connectivity and accessibility within the Heart of Teignbridge. It also states that “the realignment of the A382 between Newton Abbot and Drumbridges is considered necessary to improve the capacity of the existing lanes to ensure that the road can accommodate the future growth and to provide opportunities for new cycle links.” | Inclusion of a shared footway/cycleway to link Newton Abbot and the existing paths towards Dartmoor. |
Materials: Alternative bound and unbound materials trials; graphene, biogenic binders, carbon sinks, carbon negative aggregates. Energy: Renewable energy incorporated into street furniture
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| A382 – Jetty Marsh Link road, a new 400m road and junction linking to the A382. Providing resilience to the existing narrow A382 at that location |
Energy: Utilising the road as a heat exchanger, using heat generated and reducing the need for treatments in winter Lighting: Solar generated lighting sources for pedestrian and cycle route |
Project phases
The initial phase of the scheme from Forches Cross to Whitehill Cross was completed in May 2021.
The remaining elements of the scheme will develop a new dual carriageway between Drumbridges and the Trago Mills roundabout, widening of the A382 between the Trago Mills roundabout and Forches Cross to increase capacity and easing congestion.
The Jetty Marsh II connection will provide a new road between Whitehill Cross and West Golds Way, and a shared pedestrian and cycle path will ensure that pedestrians and cyclists will also enjoy better journeys.
The Full Business Case is expected to be submitted to the Department for Transport by the end of 2023, which should allow construction to start on this phase in 2024.