Construction work to upgrade the A382 near Newton Abbot is due to get underway this autumn following the confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) today (Tuesday 8 July).
The scheme was estimated at around £60 million when originally drawn up in 2019/20, but the scope of the project has had to be revised in line with the budget made available from Government.
The project will still include an upgraded and re-aligned road between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse) to improve safety and journey times. This will link to the completed first phase of the project. A new roundabout will be developed north of Forches Cross as well.
The Jetty Marsh Link road and Whitehills roundabout will also be constructed, which will include walking and cycling links.
The scheme is critical to support the delivery of proposed developments in Teignbridge District Council’s adopted Local Plan, and we submitted an updated scheme Business Case to the DfT earlier this year.
The amount of DfT funding has been reduced since the scheme was originally designed. When combined with increased inflationary costs, it means not all of the proposed improvements can now be delivered.
The section of widening from Drumbridges to Stover and improvements at Exeter Road are being removed from the project. However, improvements in these areas remain priorities for delivery at a later date as funding opportunities arise.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“These improvements are very much needed for the A382 so I’m pleased that construction can now get underway. It’s unfortunate that this project has been delayed while awaiting confirmation of Government funding, but we welcome what is still a significant investment that will help support growth by unlocking development, while also improving safety and providing active travel links.”
Councillor Sally Morgan, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said:
“While I’m very disappointed that the entire route is delayed, particularly the section around Drumbridges, I’m pleased to see that the planned cycling and walking links are still being included in the next phase. Those links were crucial during the planning phase in getting the road approved by councillors. I hope, when the final section is completed, that residents can safely use this route without always having to rely on a car.”
Councillor Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control at Teignbridge District Council, said: “I welcome this ‘green light’ to the funding for further construction on the A382, which will aid traffic flow, road safety and active travel options – while also supporting future development in the wider Newton Abbot area. The available budget does mean we cannot progress all elements of the original scheme at this stage, however, it’s great news that the much-needed Whitehills roundabout and Jetty Marsh Phase 2 link road will now be built, along with the extension of local pedestrian and cycle routes.”
The scheme, funded by UK Government, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council, builds upon the first phase of improvements to the A382 and A382/A383 Link Road.
The project is also one of seven pioneering projects across the country which are part of the Live Labs 2 programme, funded by the DfT and organised by ADEPT (Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport). It is aiming to become the UK’s first “carbon negative” highway by driving down carbon emissions in the construction and maintenance of the road.
