'Relief this long overdue upgrade is finally going to happen'
Drivers are being warned about 18 weeks of roadworks starting today
Drivers are being warned about 18-weeks of work starting on the Bishops Tawton Roundabout.
It's part of the £67 million North Devon Link Road project, and will see better pedestrian, cycling and crossings between the village and Barnstaple.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “This will be the latest roundabout to undergo improvements as part of the wider improvements to the Link Road, which has helped make the A361 and A39 safer for everyone. The extra capacity at this roundabout will help to reduce congestion and the development of pedestrian and cycle links will ensure that sustainable transport is a more realistic option for people.”
Councillor Caroline Leaver, County Councillor for Barnstaple South, said: “I welcome work at Bishops Tawton roundabout that will improve safety for people walking and cycling between the village and Newport, without the need for a costly underpass or unsightly bridge. The scheme will improve safety on Bishops Tawton Road too. This is an important link for children going to Park School, making it easier for parents to feel confident letting their kids get to school on their own instead of needing to be driven.”
"To minimise traffic disruption, a single lane approach to each arm of the roundabout will be maintained from 7am to 7pm. Any work outside these hours may occasionally need manually operated traffic lights.
"This project is the latest junction upgrade of the overall £67 million North Devon Link Road improvement project which was backed with £60 million of Department for Transport (DfT) funding.
"It follows the County Council’s improvements of the A39 Westleigh Junction in July 2021 and A39 Buckleigh Road Junction in July 2022. The “main scheme” on the A361 between South Molton and Portmore roundabout was completed by contractor Griffiths at the end of last year.
Councillor Paul Henderson, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Landkey, said: “I'm delighted that this upgrade work is now to progress. At a time when budgets are tight and priorities are being re-assessed and some projects experiencing further delays, it is important for those using the A377 and especially the residents of Bishops Tawton that this long overdue upgrade is finally going to happen."
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