Drivers, businesses and residents in North Devon will soon benefit from a multi-million-pound road upgrade set to get underway this month thanks to £60 million of investment announced today (10 November 2020) by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The funding will kick-start major works on the A361, also known as the North Devon Link Road:
- slashing journey times
- boosting connectivity
- unlocking housing across the region
The major project, being led by Devon County Council, will boost the local economy by supporting plans for 6,700 new homes in the region, making it easier for people to access job opportunities, and for businesses to get around.
Upgrades will not only benefit regional travel, they’re also expected to increase cross-country connectivity by improving people’s ability to travel into and out of the Southwest.
Works will focus on a 4.8 mile stretch between South Molton and Barnstaple. The route will be modernised with a wider carriageway, which will greatly improve overtaking opportunities, safety and resilience. The road’s capacity and 8 key junctions will be upgraded – and, to boost active travel, facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced along the route
The route provides the most direct link between North and South Devon and is a key route linking the Southwest to the rest of the UK. It also acts as a crucial link between the key economic centres of Bideford and Barnstaple. Department for Transport’s (DfT) investment of £60 million makes up the majority of the total costs of the scheme which is £67.6 million.