A planning application has been submitted for proposed improvements at Bishop’s Tawton roundabout.
Bishop’s Tawton is one of seven junctions planned to be improved as part of the multi-million scheme to upgrade the A361 North Devon Link Road between South Molton and Bideford.
The proposed scheme includes the provision of additional lanes on the A361 through the roundabout to increase its capacity and the southern approach from the A377 will also be widened to incorporate two longer lanes.
A new underpass is proposed to the west of the roundabout to enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the A361, away from traffic.
A consultation was held on proposals for the underpass at the end of last year and it has been designed to be open and clearly visible to all users, and it will link into existing paths to make the route feel safe and secure.
Planting, landscaping and an acoustic fence are proposed to screen the roundabout from nearby properties.
To further enhance pedestrian/cycle facilities Devon County Council has identified the preferred option for a pedestrian and cycle bridge at the proposed Landkey roundabout. The proposed bridge is located at the Landkey junction with spiral ramps linking it with footpath/cycle connections to Landkey and the proposed development at Westacott.
It follows safety concerns raised by Landkey Parish Council, who asked for pedestrians and cyclists to have a crossing that was separated from the traffic. A planning application for this scheme is expected later in the year.
The schemes form part of Devon County Council’s planned £93 million upgrade of the A361 between Bideford and South Molton.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for infrastructure and development, said: “Submitting the planning application for these improvements at Bishop’s Tawton roundabout is another positive step forward in our proposed upgrade of the North Devon Link Road, which is the biggest investment in the Northern Devon transport infrastructure for a generation.
“It is vital that we think of all modes of transport including pedestrians and cyclists. Devon County Council is committed to encouraging cycling and walking – safety of pedestrians and cyclists is often a reason people choose to use their cars for short journeys. There has been a lot of consultation about the underpass, we have taken on board comments from the public and now the scheme is ready to be submitted for planning.”
In addition to the junction upgrades, three sections of the North Devon Link Road will be widened, to create three traffic lanes, two in one direction and one in the other direction. This will cover from Portmore roundabout to Landkey, Harford to Swimbridge and Swimbridge to Filleigh.
The investment will address safety concerns about the existing road while also increasing capacity at junctions and improving connectivity.
Devon County Council is due to submit its full business case for the scheme to the DfT in summer 2020.
The details for the Bishops Tawton application (application number DCC/4142/2019) are available at: https://planning.devon.gov.uk/PlanDisp.aspx?AppNo=DCC/4142/2019