A public consultation has been launched today (Wednesday 1 October) on proposed changes to the layout of Barnfield Road in Exeter.
Devon County Council wants people to provide their feedback on proposals to make the road a more attractive gateway into the city centre.
The online consultation continues until the end of the month with a questionnaire available at devon.cc/barnfield
There will also be an opportunity to speak to the project team at a public exhibition of the proposals at the west end of Bedford Street (outside Debenhams) in Princesshay on Tuesday 21 October, where you can drop in any time from 11:30am to 6:30pm.
The scheme being designed for Barnfield Road, which extends between Princesshay and Denmark Road, crossing Western Way and running through the centre of Southernhay, aims to enhance the public realm. It is also looking to improve safety of the route for cyclists and pedestrians and make changes to vehicular access.
As part of the E3 and E9 strategic cycle routes, Barnfield Road plays a crucial role in linking communities with workplaces and leisure. Traffic counts show that over 2,000 pedestrians and over 500 cyclists use this route everyday.
Scheme development has been split into three phases, each of which are at different stages of design.
Phase 1
Princesshay to Western Way. This stage is almost fully designed. Proposals include widened footways to improve access for mobility scooters and buggies, two-metre wide cycle lanes in both directions along Barnfield Road, new raised crossings for pedestrians, and one-way vehicular traffic flow (westbound only towards Princesshay) between Western Way and Barnfield Crescent.
Phase 2
Barnfield Road junction with Western Way junction. This phase is in the early stages of design, but views are sought on different elements of design to improve the experience and safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Phase 3
Barnfield Road – Western Way to Denmark Road. There are currently no designs for this section. People are being asked for their views on how this area can be made better for pedestrians and cyclists.
The scheme is being designed to work alongside plans for the access to Exeter City Council’s Princesshay car parks to revert to the original access on Paris Street. This will mean that the entrance at Southernhay is stopped up, and the one-way system along Southernhay East will be reinstated.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“Barnfield Road is a vital and well-used link which gets you right into the heart of the city centre, and for many visitors it provides a first impression of Exeter. This scheme is being designed to make Barnfield Road more accessible, attractive and safe for all. The proposals intend to create a welcoming route for anyone travelling into the city centre via Barnfield Road, and this consultation is a good opportunity for people to provide their thoughts which will help inform the ongoing design.”
Councillor Andy Ketchin, County Councillor for St David’s & Haven Banks, said:
“With the growing desire in the city to see less congested roads and increased options for travel I hope residents agree this will be a modest step in the right direction. It is a little but welcome reworking of the Southernhay area, as it will complement changes with Princesshay car park access onto Paris Street.”
People have the opportunity to provide their feedback on all three phases of the proposals. Please visit our website for information about the proposal and to respond to the consultation.
For anyone that would like the questionnaire in an alternative format, please email transportplanning@devon.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use.
Alternatively write to: Transport Planning, Devon County Council, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD. Or phone: 0345 155 1004