About the bridge
Baulk Bridge was built in 1924. It carries the B3181 road over the River Culm, just south of Cullompton. The B3181 is an important road between Cullompton and Exeter. Around 5,000 vehicles use it every day. Cullompton town centre is about 1 mile north of the bridge.
Baulk Bridge is different from many old bridges in Devon. It was built using reinforced concrete instead of stone. Concrete bridges can suffer more damage over time.
Why the bridge needs replacing
The bridge is in poor condition. Water has entered the concrete, causing the steel inside to rust. This has led to cracks and pieces of concrete breaking away. These problems reduce the strength of the bridge.
Surveys have shown that repairing the bridge would not be cost effective. Because of this, the bridge needs to be replaced. The new bridge will be designed to last for 120 years.
The condition of the existing bridge is getting worse. If nothing is done, it could soon need to be closed to all traffic.
Importance of the route
If the M5 is closed between junctions 28 (Cullompton) and 29 (Exeter), the B3181 is used as a diversion route. Replacing Baulk Bridge will help make sure this road stays safe and reliable for future motorway diversions.
The proposal
The new bridge will be built slightly downstream from the existing one. This will include about 320 metres of new road alignment.
This new layout will:
- Improve the shape and safety of the road
- Provide better facilities for pedestrians
- Allow improved safety barriers for vehicles
Once the new bridge is open, the old bridge and unused road section will be removed. This will help the river flow better and reduce flood risk.
The scheme also includes:
- New highway drainage
- A flood relief culvert
- Improvements to wildlife habitats
Planning permission for the scheme was granted in May 2025. https://planning.devon.gov.uk/Planning/Display/DCC/4372/2023
Construction programme
Construction is planned to start on 11 May 2026 and finish in Winter 2027.
The work will be carried out by Willis Bros Civil Engineering Ltd for Devon County Council.
Traffic management during works
The new bridge alignment means the existing road can stay open for much of the construction period. This will help reduce disruption.
For most of the work:
- Temporary traffic lights will be used
- A temporary 30mph speed limit will apply
- This will cover about 1.1 kilometres north of Nags Head railway bridge
Planned road closures
There will be two main road closure periods on the B3181 between Exeter Road and Clan Farm:
- Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
- Daytime only (07:00–19:00)
- To set up the work site and start earthworks
- Saturday 24 July – Sunday 15 August 2027
- Up to 23 days
- To finish the road, move utility services, and install signs and barriers
There may also be occasional night-time closures.
Warning signs will be put up at least 7 days before each planned closure.
A signed diversion route will be in place using roads of a similar type via the B3181 Exeter Road, A373 Honiton Road, A375 Exeter Road, A30, A3015, B3212, B3181.
Environmental work
In March 2026, vegetation was cleared from the site. This work was carefully planned to protect wildlife. It was carried out:
- Before the bird nesting season
- With care around known dormouse habitats
Ecology specialists supervised the work to make sure wildlife was protected. Completing this work early kept the project on track for the main contractor to start construction in May 2026
Early works
In April 2026, further ground investigations will be taking place. These were needed to finalise the design of river walls. These walls will protect the new bridge and road from erosion.
Keeping you updated
Updates on the project, including road closures and progress, will be shared as the work continues.
Contact details
If you have any questions, please contact:
b3181baulkbridgereplacement@devoncc.onmicrosoft.com