Dryden Road, Exeter – public consultation 2021

Exeter Strategic Cycle Network (E9) – Dryden Road, Exeter

A public consultation is being held on possible changes to the layout of Dryden Road, Exeter including vehicle access and the reallocation of road space towards pedestrians and cyclists.

Please read the information and view the options below and have your say by completing our online survey

A paper leaflet showing the consultation options and information as detailed below can be requested via email at transportplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.

Background to proposed changes at Dryden Road

A temporary closure of Dryden Road was introduced in June 2020. It was part of emergency transport measures to provide safer routes for higher numbers of pedestrians and cyclists while capacity on public transport was significantly reduced by social distancing.

The temporary changes at Dryden Road along with Wonford Road, Ludwell Lane and Magdalen Road helped create a new quiet corridor, with lower traffic flows and where more people will feel confident and safe to cycle on. The E9 cycle route, is a 4km cross city route that provides access to over 50,000 jobs located in the City Centre, RD&E Hospital, Pynes Hill and Sowton.

We have received a range of views on the temporary measures. We recognise that some traffic has diverted onto other routes and that vehicle trips for some people have been made longer. However, with no through traffic, vehicle movements on Dryden Road are down two thirds. Many residents have commented on the improved environment and since the closure in June we have recorded an increase in walking and cycling along the route. More trips being made by foot and cycle also contributes to reducing carbon emissions from transport.

Although the temporary closure is likely to remain for the next few months while social distancing is still in place, planned resurfacing of Dryden Road next year provides an opportunity to consider what Dryden Road should be like in future. Devon County Council would therefore like to hear your feedback on the temporary change and are seeking your views on four options for permanent changes to Dryden Road.

E9 cycle route

What are we consulting on?

We are seeking views on four options which include changes to vehicle access and the reallocation of road space towards pedestrians and cyclists.

Option 1

Make current vehicle closure of Dryden Road between Well Oak Park and Kipling Drive permanent.

Option 2

Closure of Dryden Road to motor vehicles between The Cedars and Bovemoor’s Lane junction.

Option 3

Dryden Road one-way eastbound only for motor vehicles between Well Oak Park and Kipling Drive.

Option 4

Return of two way vehicle flow along Dryden Road.

Options summary

A summary assessment of the options for changes to the layout of Dryden Road is shown in this table

Share your views

We would like to know what you think about our proposals. Please tell us by Wednesday 10th March 2021 by completing our online survey

Alternatively, you can:

• email us at transportplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
• write to us atTransport Planning, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, no physical consultation events will be held. Instead, we will be holding an:

• online consultation presentation (5.00pm – 6.30pm on 25 February) and
• ‘drop-in’ question and answer session (12.00pm – 1.00pm on 2 March)

A recording of the consultation presentation can be found here.

At both events, officers from Devon County Council will be on hand to answer any questions. Please email transportplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk for details of how to join these events.

What will happen next?

Once all your comments have been reviewed, feedback provided through this consultation process will be considered and summarised.

A consultation summary will be circulated to all those who have responded.

Proposals for a preferred option will then be developed and we would look to implement the preferred scheme alongside planned resurfacing 2021/22.