Improvement work at Bishops Tawton Roundabout in Barnstaple is due to begin on Monday 3 March.
The scheme will develop additional lanes at the roundabout to increase capacity. Pedestrian and cycle links between Bishops Tawton and Barnstaple will also be improved and a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will be installed.
To minimise traffic disruption, a single lane approach to each arm of the roundabout will be maintained from 7am to 7pm. Any work outside these hours may occasionally need manually operated traffic lights.
This project is the latest junction upgrade of the overall £67 million North Devon Link Road improvement project which was backed with £60 million of Department for Transport (DfT) funding.
It follows our improvements of the A39 Westleigh Junction in July 2021 and A39 Buckleigh Road Junction in July 2022. The “main scheme” on the A361 between South Molton and Portmore roundabout was completed by contractor Griffiths at the end of last year.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“This will be the latest roundabout to undergo improvements as part of the wider improvements to the Link Road, which has helped make the A361 and A39 safer for everyone. The extra capacity at this roundabout will help to reduce congestion and the development of pedestrian and cycle links will ensure that sustainable transport is a more realistic option for people.”
Councillor Caroline Leaver, County Councillor for Barnstaple South, said:
“I welcome work at Bishops Tawton roundabout that will improve safety for people walking and cycling between the village and Newport, without the need for a costly underpass or unsightly bridge. The scheme will improve safety on Bishops Tawton Road too. This is an important link for children going to Park School, making it easier for parents to feel confident letting their kids get to school on their own instead of needing to be driven.”
Councillor Paul Henderson, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Landkey, said:
“I’m delighted that this upgrade work is now to progress. At a time when budgets are tight and priorities are being re-assessed and some projects experiencing further delays, it is important for those using the A377 and especially the residents of Bishops Tawton that this long overdue upgrade is finally going to happen.”
The 18-week scheme will be carried out by Cormac on our behalf. It is due to be completed in July.