Since the North Devon Link Road (NDLR) strategy was formulated a number of challenges have evolved. These include carbon impacts and inflationary rises within the construction industry.
As part of the Government’s spending review and cut to the National Roads Fund, all Sub-National Transport Bodies were asked to review their Major Road Network and Large Local Majors programmes. Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body (responsible for schemes in Cornwall, Plymouth, Torbay, Devon and Somerset) took the decision to withdraw its NDLR Phase 2 proposal for a 4-lane single carriageway section on the A39/A361 between Roundswell roundabout and Bishop’s Tawton roundabout. This was due to the challenging delivery timescales and potential carbon impacts. There has also been concern at the level of disruption to the travelling public during the NDLR Phase 1 works.
There are therefore no current plans to progress either Phase 2 or Phase 3 schemes.