Last updated: 2024 October 3:
The works are expected to start on the 2nd of December 2024 and be completed on the 7th of March 2025 pending contract award in the next week.
Last updated: 2024 August:
Reasons for this scheme
- One of the Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP) schemes in North Devon.
- New bus lane instead of grass verge – improved bus experience.
- Bus lane outside of current carriageway – no negative impact on general traffic.
- Slight widening of carriageway and improved lane allocation for general traffic – positive impact on general traffic – improving congestion.
- New footway – improved pedestrian experience.
Securing government funding is extremely difficult when the bidding process is so competitive. Out of six schemes that have been progressing for the last few years, three of those are in Exeter, one is in Newton Abbot and two are in North Devon.
Securing funding for improving public transport experience is a scarce and positive result.
Background to the scheme
Devon County Council (DCC) is creating a new bus lane from Gratton Way roundabout towards Roundswell roundabout. This lane will help buses going from Barnstaple to Roundswell to get through faster.
By doing this, DCC hopes more people will use public transport.
The road towards Roundswell roundabout is also widened to allow two lanes for general traffic to improve congestion, ensuring that all road users benefit from this scheme. Pedestrians will also benefit from the new pavement proposed on the western side.
Cabinet members approved the advertising and sealing of the necessary traffic regulation orders and scheme construction at Cabinet in October 2023.
The public engagement report was published in July 2023 on the have your say website.
Construction work details
The permit for works is booked from September 2024 to June 2025.
If all goes as planned, construction works could start in October 2024 and finish by January 2025.
The new bus lane (215 metres) will go from Gratton Way roundabout to Roundswell roundabout, connecting with other bus priority measures in Barnstaple.
The road will be widened on the east side of A3125 so more traffic can fit when entering the roundabout.
A new footway will be built for people to walk along the west side of A3125 from Roundswell service station to Fishleigh Road crossing. This way, pedestrians won’t have to walk on the road or the grass verge.
Pipes and cables will be moved if needed.
Street lights will be replaced if needed.
The whole construction will take about 12 weeks.
The most up to date plan is available in more detail here.
Traffic management
The works are mostly expected to be undertaken without any temporary traffic lights. There may be a need for one off operations to be carried out under temporary traffic lights during night time and off-peak periods.
Funding of the scheme
Government money was secured for this bus lane project through the Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.
Contact
For further information please email transportplanning-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Why are we doing these works?
The main aims of BSIP schemes are to:
- grow patronage
- facilitate a positive step change in bus provision across the area
- create a bus network that meets the needs of all potential users
- create a framework to regularly consult bus users, and use this information to influence bus service provision in the future
- ensure information regarding bus service is of the highest quality and accessible to all
- ensure the bus is considered equally alongside other modes of transport
- make taking the bus an attractive alternative to the car – with aspects of this being achieved by identifying and implementing a significant increase in bus priority
How will the works be carried out?
The works are planned to be carried out with keeping both lanes operational. However, it is expected that on one off operations, works will need to be undertaken with temporary traffic lights, but these would be done overnight.
Why can’t you spend the money on potholes? Or on more bus services?
The majority of funding was secured from the government for Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) capital schemes which can only be used to build new infrastructure with the purpose of improving bus priority.