Scheme background
Cullompton town centre experiences traffic congestion, with queues along Station Road and the High Street at peak travel times. This results in inconsistent journey times and poor air quality, with the town being a designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
The relief road is designed to address these issues, and it will also unlock land to support the future growth and vitality of the town. The road will run from Station Road in the north to Duke Street in the South.
Planning permission for the road was secured in January 2021 and Mid Devon District Council signed a funding with Homes England in February 2025.
Early enabling work underway
Work to prepare the way for the Cullompton Relief Road is moving forward, with a series of enabling activities underway. These early steps mark a major milestone in delivering a project that will ease congestion, improve local journeys, and support the town’s long‑term growth.
Progress on land and access
Land acquisitions have progressed well, with the majority of required areas already agreed. This strong progress means the project can move confidently into its next phase.
Some sections of the Cullompton Community Association (CCA) land will be temporarily affected, as access is needed for both early works and future construction. Importantly, new public land for the CCA is being created as part of the scheme. This will include new pathways and bridge connections to ensure the community retains safe, high‑quality access across the area.
We continue to work with the 3 impacted sports clubs to provide replacement facilities releasing their sites for road construction.
Ecology‑led site clearance
This month (February 2026), site‑clearance works will begin across the full footprint of the relief road. These activities are carefully timed to meet strict ecological requirements, including:
- Preparing the site ahead of the bird‑nesting season
- Protecting and managing areas known to support dormouse habitats
Specialist ecologists will oversee the process to ensure wildlife is safeguarded at every stage. Completing this work early keeps the project on track for the main contractor to start construction in July 2026.
Supporting local travel during construction
To minimise disruption for residents, improvements are being made in advance of major works. On Station Road, a new roundabout will eventually provide access to the relief road. To help traffic flow more smoothly during this period, a new layby bus stop is being delivered opposite the Weary Traveller pub. This will reduce waiting buses becoming an obstacle to passing vehicles.
Archaeology and early junction improvements
Archaeological investigations are already under way across the site, including areas accessed through CCA land. These works are an important part of preserving local heritage and ensuring the project meets national requirements.
In addition, Meadow Lane Phase 1 will begin with improvements at the Exeter Road junction, one of the early deliverables designed to enhance safety and traffic flow ahead of the main construction phase.
Next steps
The project is currently in the final stages of tendering for a main contractor, following all public procurement guidelines. Appointment is expected in late spring, with work on the main scheme set to start in the summer.