Work is due to start next month on a £9 million scheme to replace a bridge near Cullompton.
The Baulk Bridge carries the B3181 over the River Culm just south of Cullompton. The structure, which was built in 1924, no longer meets modern standards and needs to be replaced after investigations found it’s suffering from steel corrosion and deteriorating concrete.
To ensure the existing bridge remains open for as long as possible and to minimise disruption during construction, the new 30-metre span bridge will be located slightly downstream and the road will be re-aligned.
Our scheme, which is scheduled to get underway on Monday 11 May, will be carried out using temporary traffic lights for the majority of the time. A temporary 30mph speed limit will also be in place for an 1,100 metre section of the road north of the Nags Head railway bridge.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“It’s vital this link is upgraded as it’s a busy non-motorway link between Exeter and Cullompton used by around 5,000 vehicles every day, as well as being an important diversion route for the M5 motorway. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption, and as the new bridge will be on a slightly re-aligned route it’s reducing the amount of time that the road will need to be closed.”
Councillor James Buczkowski, County Councillor for Cullompton and Bradninch, said:
“This is a significant investment in a key route into Cullompton, and it’s essential that we get this work done to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the network. The B3181 is not just a local road, it carries thousands of vehicles every day, supports local businesses, and acts as an important alternative route when the M5 is under pressure.
“I’m particularly pleased to see the level of collaboration between highways officers and our local councils, with careful thought given to how and when the work is carried out. That includes the timing of road closures and the approach to traffic management, all aimed at keeping disruption to a minimum wherever possible. There will inevitably be some disruption, as with any major infrastructure project, but this scheme has clearly been planned with that in mind. By taking the time to get this right now, we are avoiding greater disruption and risk in the future, and that is the responsible approach for our communities.”
Two closure periods are scheduled for the B3181 from Exeter Road to Clan Farm – initially during the first few weeks of the scheme for nine days from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026 to establish site access, install traffic management and carry out earthwork.
Towards the later stages of the scheme, the B3181 will be closed for up to 23 days from Saturday 24 July 2027 to Sunday 15 August 2027 to complete construction and surfacing of the road, divert utility services and install lines, signs and safety barriers.
During these closures a signed diversion, which has to use similar standard roads, will be in place via the B3181 Exeter Road, A373 Honiton Road, A375 Exeter Road, A30, A3015, B3212, B3181 and vice versa.
Work will be carried out by Wills Bros on our behalf.