Parts of link road upgrades set to open

Several upgraded sections of the North Devon Link Road are due to open by Monday, 11 November, according to updates from Devon County Council. 

Griffiths, the council’s contractor, has confirmed that a number of improved stretches of the A361 between the Portmore roundabout at Barnstaple and Yarnacott are now complete and ready to open fully to traffic. 

The project was originally scheduled for completion at the end of last year, but has faced delays, with the council citing supply chain issues and material shortages caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and rising interest rates. 

In November 2022, Devon County Council decided to scale back the scheme by removing the planned overtaking lane between the Portmore and Landkey junctions and amending the design of the Bishops Tawton roundabout.

After all new sections of the road have opened to traffic, landscaping and some minor work will continue.

Additional sections of the project will be opened in stages over the coming weeks.

The improvement project, which has been underway between South Molton and Portmore roundabout since February 2021, includes two widened sections of road to provide overtaking lanes and upgrades to four key junctions. 

The council says the scheme aims to enhance safety, ensure reliable journey times, and support economic growth, while unlocking development opportunities across North Devon. 

Additional maintenance has also been carried out to improve drainage, resurface road sections, and waterproof structures, increasing road resilience and minimising the need for future disruptive repairs.

First Sections to Open

The first upgraded sections expected to open by Monday, 11 November, include:

• Portmore roundabout to Landkey roundabout: This resurfaced section now has a central hatched area to discourage overtaking. Rising construction costs due to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and inflation prompted Devon County Council to remove the planned overtaking lane and footbridge here last November.
• Landkey roundabout and pedestrian/cycle bridge: The new roundabout replaces a T-junction to improve safety and turning manoeuvres. It also includes a fourth arm to access the proposed Westacott development area. Additionally, a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists connects to this future development.

Final Sections Set to Open Soon

As Griffiths nears substantial completion, the remaining sections are due to open shortly, with the West Buckland Junction anticipated as the final area to open. 

These upcoming sections include:

• Landkey roundabout to Harford Cross: Drainage has been upgraded, the pavement improved, and a central hatched area added to discourage overtaking. This section marks the start of an average speed camera zone from Landkey to Aller roundabout.
• Harford Cross to Yarnacott: This widened section includes overtaking lanes for eastbound and westbound traffic, along with improved drainage to handle heavier rainfall.
• Yarnacott to Riverton: Resurfaced with a central hatched area to prevent overtaking, and all drainage has been renewed.
• Riverton to West Buckland Junction: The road has been widened to provide overtaking lanes in both directions, with upgraded drainage for rain resilience.
• West Buckland Junction: A newly constructed overbridge has replaced the previous staggered crossroads, enhancing safety for right turns and crossings.
• West Buckland Junction to Filleigh Bridge: This section has been widened for eastbound overtaking lanes, with drainage improvements.
• Borners Bridge Junction and Hacche Lane Junction: An elongated roundabout now replaces the old staggered crossroads at Borners Bridge, enhancing safety. Right turns have been prohibited at Hacche Lane T-junction, and new footways connect the bridleway to the roundabout.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “I’m sure people will be relieved to see this work reaching its final stages and to see some of the upgraded sections finally opening up. The result will be a road that is much more fit for purpose and much safer. Griffiths is working hard to finish all of the elements of the scheme but work will still be continuing over the next few weeks as they near completion.”

John Lee, Operations Director for Griffiths said: “This has been a complex and challenging project but from the outset Griffiths, Devon County Council and our supply chain partners have worked collaboratively to deliver this scheme, overcoming the numerous challenges along the way. As we work to conclude the scheme in the coming weeks, we would like to thank everyone in the surrounding communities in North Devon for their patience and support since the start of the project.”