Could new M5 bridge help reduce congestion as new homes built?
Plans for a second bridge and junction on the M5 in Devon go on show later
Plans for a second bridge and junction on the M5 in Devon go on show this afternoon at Cullompton.
The council say the scheme could ease traffic queues to use junction 28 and is part of plans for new homes just north West of Cullompton.
Residents can find out more about the scheme at the town's community centre in Pye Corner from 3.30pm until 7pm.
The new junction is said to be a key part of Mid Devon District Council’s development of allocated Local Plan sites at Culm Garden Village and North West Cullompton.
Until Monday February 5, the public have the chance to view and comment on the council's preferred option by filling out a short online survey. The results of the survey will form part of the Strategic Outline Case for funding to the Department of Transport.
Another consultation event takes place on Wednesday January 10, 12pm-4pm at Cullompton Library.
Previously MDDC secured funding to deliver the 'Strategic Outline Case' from Homes England. A council spokesperson said: "Currently there is significant queuing to use the Junction 28 on weekdays, both outbound in the morning and inbound in the evening,
"Frequently these queues stretch all the way along Station Road between High Street and Junction 28 which reduces the air quality in the town.
"To resolve this Devon County Council (DCC) has been working with MDDC and stakeholders National Highways, the Environment Agency, and Network Rail to find best solution.
"The preferred option is to construct a new second junction and bridge to the south of Junction 28 with south facing slip-roads.
"This new junction and Relief Road will reduce queues and delays at Junction 28, reduce congestion and improve air quality throughout the town centre.
"This scheme will include bus priority on the local road network and a new a multi-use trail on the bridge itself."
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, added: “It’s clear that junction is no longer able to cope with the daily volume of traffic that passes through it, and this causes significant congestion on nearby roads, such as the B3181.
“It leads to queuing on M5 slip road, it is affecting air quality in the town, people’s quality of life and it is essential for the delivery of badly needed homes in the area.
“We have been working closely with Mid Devon District Council to find the best solution that also includes the construction of a town centre relief road.
“We now have a preferred solution, and we are asking local people to look at what we are proposing and comment.
“This engagement is a vital part of the process that will culminate in a bid to the Department of Transport. The more who respond, the stronger our case will be.”
Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration at Mid Devon District Council, said: “For many years the lack of road infrastructure for Cullompton has resulted in congestion and misery. The Town Centre Relief Road together with an additional M5 junction is essential, without it the ambitious plans for east Cullompton and the award winning Culm Garden Village concept cannot go ahead. We are delighted these proposals are moving forward and we are now at able to seek the public’s views on the plans.”
Councillor John Berry, the local county councillor Member for Cullompton, said: “I’m delighted to see these proposals for a much needed relief road and second junction.
“This is something I have been campaigning for for a long time. Over the years the amount of traffic has steadily increased leaving junction 28 and the town congested at peak times.
“A second junction is vital to deliver more homes as outlined in Mid Devon District Councils Local Plan and I would encourage local people to give their views as this will support the business case for funding from the Department for Transport.”
The survey can be found on Devon County Council's Have Your Say webpage.