Work is progressing well to create a new section of the Cullompton Community Association (CCA) shared-use path as part of the wider Cullompton Relief Road project.
The route for the path is now fully excavated and prepared for construction. Kerbs are currently being installed, marking an important step towards completing this part of the route ahead of the main construction work on the relief road, which is scheduled to start this summer.
This new path will link Meadow Lane to the previously constructed section by the sports pitches, forming part of a three-metre wide shared use tarmac path that will run the full length of the Cullompton Relief Road. Once complete, it will provide a high quality, safe and accessible route for walkers and cyclists, improving active travel connections across the area to recreational facilities including football pitches, the cricket pitch, and bowling green. To minimise disruption, the path is being delivered in phases.
As part of the Relief Road project, new public land, pathways and bridge connections are also being provided for the CCA. These improvements will help ensure the community remains well connected, with safe and convenient access to local facilities for years to come.
The ongoing preparatory work for the scheme will see overnight work carried out on CCA land this week (19 and 20 March).
Preparation of the site for the 1.3km road started in February, with ecological and archaeological work timed to be undertaken ahead of the bird nesting season and to meet strict ecological requirements.
Most of this work is being carried out during the daytime. However, because the latest work needed on the CCA land, just north of the football club, is along the boundary of the railway line, for safety reasons it needs to be carried out at night-time.
Work will only take place when rail services are not running.
Specialist contractors will undertake clearance work, supported on site by an ecologist to ensure wildlife is safeguarded, and that dormouse habitats are protected and managed.
Mid Devon District Council received funding from Homes England for the project, with Devon County Council acting as delivery partner to lead on developing the detailed design and land assembly for the scheme, as well as appointing contractors for the various aspects of work.
For more information please visit https://letstalk.middevon.gov.uk/cullompton-relief-road and https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/traffic-information/roadworks/cullompton-relief-road/
