The A382 is a strategically important link to Newton Abbot. The latest improvements will improve safety, help to ease congestion and provide better active travel links by upgrading and re-aligning the road between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse), and also developing the Jetty Marsh Link Road to connect West Gold’s Way to the A382.
The project includes a combination of road widening, junction improvements and the provision of pedestrian and cycle lanes while also unlocking the development of housing and employment land allocated nearby in the Teignbridge Local Plan.
This will build on the previous improvements to the A382 and the first phase of the link road connecting the A382 to the A383 at Houghton Barton.
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 widen the A382 between Stover (Ice House Copse) and Forches Cross to increase capacity, ease congestion and improve safety. A pedestrian and cycle route will link to Stover School and the A382/A383 Link Road and a new roundabout will be developed north of Forches Cross.
The Jetty Marsh II Link Road 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.
A revised full business case was submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) in March 2025 and they approved funding in July 2025 which should allow construction to start in autumn 2025.
Full Business Case documents:
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- Commercial Dimension : A382 MRN FBC 2025 Commercial Dimension.pdf
- Economic Dimension: A382 MRN FBC 2025 Economic Dimension.pdf
- Executive Summary and Introduction: A382 MRN FBC 2025 Executive Summary and Introduction.pdf
- Financial Dimension: A382 MRN FBC 2025 Financial Dimension.pdf
- Management Dimension : A382 MRN FBC 2025 Management Dimension.pdf
- Strategic Dimension: A382 MRN FBC 2025 Strategic Dimension.pdf
Live Labs opportunities
The major upgrade will not only improve the current poor quality link between the A38 and Newton, but the project has also been chosen to be part of Live Labs 2 as it reflects similar schemes nationwide. It will provide the opportunity to test the following carbon reducing interventions:
| A382 Project Element | Pre Live Labs | Live Labs Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
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 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.
|
| 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 |