A361 roadworks complaints pile up

Frustration is boiling over for residents and road users along the A361. 

After delays, diversions and speed restrictions that seem to have become a permanent fixture, the question many are asking is simple: when will it all end? 

The North Devon Link Road, designed to improve connectivity between North Devon and the M5, has instead been accused of becoming a symbol of inefficiency and disruption, a project seemingly without a clear end date.

Devon County Council continues to assure the public that the works are essential for the long-term improvement of the region but to many disgruntled travellers it feels as though the roadworks have become part of daily life. 

It’s no wonder road users and residents are growing impatient, as temporary speed limits and diversions persist, with no clear completion date on the horizon. 

The Gazette asked Devon County Council for a comment on Tuesday, October 22, but has not yet received a response.

‘Road users at breaking point’

Peter F Vaughan of Lynton shared his experience of being caught by the temporary speed camera at South Molton in early 2022. 

He completed a speed awareness course and expected the situation to resolve. 

Yet here he is, nearing the end of 2024, and the temporary speed limit has been reduced further to 30 miles per hour. 

His frustration read: “The roadworks have not only delayed journeys, but there have also been weeks where the road has been completely closed at night. The inconvenience is here to stay.” 

For Peter, as for many others, what was promised as an improvement has become an extended nuisance. 

“This is the principal road from North Devon to the M5 corridor! I took the speed awareness course on the basis that any further offence within three years will result in me being penalised for both offences.”

‘Unsafe conditions for drivers’

It’s not just about the inconvenience for locals. 

There are serious concerns about the safety of the current conditions on the A361.

Lee Honey recounted his harrowing experience of breaking down late at night.

He faced a lengthy wait for assistance, only to realise that the final stretch of the roadworks left him with nowhere safe to stop. 

“I was slowing down, wandering in my lane, feeling dozy, but there’s nowhere to pull over. It’s dangerous, especially when drivers are covering long distances with no place to take a break.” 

‘Impact on local residents and businesses’

It’s not just the drivers feeling the strain. 

Residents along the A361 say they are dealing with the constant noise, dust, and disruption to their lives. Yvette Charlton, from Swimbridge, has called and complained many times, only to find that nothing seems to change. 

“It has caused me anxiety and sleepless nights,” she says, echoing the sentiments of many living near the construction work. 

The endless night closures and diversions through small villages like Swimbridge and Landkey are testing the patience of locals, who are now grappling with increased traffic, noise, and safety concerns.

Tracy Norfolk-Shaw, who works at Exeter Airport, says she has even had to turn down shifts due to the unpredictable road closures. 

“When travelling through the villages, large lorries bulldoze their way through, even when it’s not been their right of way. Very dangerous at times!” 

‘Environmental concerns and financial strain’

The environmental toll of the roadworks is also weighing on the community. 

Lilias Drummond, a local resident, spoke passionately about what she says has been the destruction of natural habitats along the route. 

“The utter and disrespectful destruction of natural habitats really makes me angry,” she said.

Financially, the delays are adding a burden to those who regularly use the A361. 

Claire Johnston, who commutes between Barnstaple and Exeter for work, has faced extra fuel costs and vehicle damage due to poorly maintained detours. 

“I feel as though I am being penalised for just trying to get to work,” she says.

The bigger picture: what’s gone wrong?

So, where did it all go wrong? 

Why has a project designed to improve connectivity between North Devon and the rest of the country turned into a long-running saga of disruption and dissatisfaction? 

Several road users, including Roger Creed from South Molton, have questioned how other major road projects, such as the A30 bypass, could be completed in a fraction of the time, while the A361 improvements drag on with no visible progress. 

“It’s like we’re in the dark about the actual timeline,” he states. 

The phased approach, lengthy delays and shifting timelines have left many questioning the competence of those managing the project.

The introduction of speed cameras between Barnstaple and South Molton has only added fuel to the fire. 

Tony Robinson points out that the installation of these cameras, supposedly in response to public consultation, seems to miss the mark entirely. 

“I doubt very much if Joe Public asked for cameras to be installed,” he said.

Conclusion: time for accountability

It’s clear that the North Devon Link Road works have far exceeded the patience of local residents and road users. 

From safety concerns to financial strain and environmental damage, the project has become a source of immense frustration, with no apparent end in sight.

As the Gazette awaits Devon County Council’s comment, for many hacked-off road users, the time for answers appears long overdue. 

They are asking: “When is this ever going to end?”