Upgraded North Devon Link Road officially open

The final upgrades to the North Devon Link Road (A361) are now complete, marking the full opening of improved sections that will enhance travel and safety across the region. 

The roadworks, which began in July 2021, have been carried out in stages, with recent developments between South Molton and Portmore roundabout now substantially finished.

The latest completed areas include the newly opened Landkey roundabout, upgraded stretches from Portmore roundabout to Landkey, and improvements between Landkey and Harford Cross. 

A section from Harford Cross to Yarnacott has been widened to introduce new overtaking lanes, improving traffic flow. 

The final few stretches, including Borners Bridge, Hacche Lane, and the new junction and overbridge at West Buckland, which replaces the old staggered crossroads, have also opened. 

The section from Landkey viaduct to Tilery Bridge was the last to be completed.

While the main construction work is now finished, some landscaping and minor work are still scheduled for the coming months, alongside planned maintenance work on diversion routes through local communities such as Landkey.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council, said: “Now that the upgraded sections of road have opened, the A361 will provide greater reliability of journeys and safety will be much improved at junctions and roundabouts. As a North Devon resident myself, I share everyone’s frustration in having had to use the Link Road while work has been ongoing since July 2021 and that the scheme has ended up running behind schedule. However, I have to stress that the delays have not been at the cost of the taxpayer.”

John Lee, Operations Director for Griffiths, said: “From the outset Griffiths, Devon County Council and our supply chain partners have worked collaboratively to deliver this scheme, overcoming several challenges and unprecedented global events, and we’d like to thank everyone in the surrounding communities for their patience and support whilst the project has been delivered.”

Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, County Councillor for South Molton, said: “I am delighted and somewhat relieved that the A361 upgrade is now open. I am particularly pleased for the delivery of the West Buckland and South Molton junction upgrades which will hugely improve safety of the route and its connections with nearby communities, future proofing the main arterial road access for South Molton, North Molton, West Buckland and their hinterland. Many thanks to all concerned in the delivery of the project.”

Councillor Paul Henderson, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Landkey, said: “I'm delighted that the improvements are now open and that the overnight closures have now come to an end. We’re told that any further overnight work that might be needed on the A361 through this scheme will be carried out under traffic lights to avoid diverting traffic through Swimbridge and Landkey. On behalf of Devon County Council, I'd like to thank all the residents of Swimbridge and Landkey for their patience and tolerance. Thanks must also go to the members of both Landkey and Swimbridge Parish Councils who have been so supportive for the duration of the works.”

As part of the A361 improvement project, the “main scheme” undertaken by Griffiths has focused on the upgrade of four junctions, and two new sections of overtaking lanes on the A361 between South Molton and Portmore roundabout. 

This has been carried out to improve safety, make journey times more reliable, support economic growth and to help unlock planned development in North Devon.

In addition to the main improvements carried out by Griffiths, as part of the wider £67 million link road improvement project which has been backed with £60 million of Department for Transport (DfT) funding, Devon County Council had already upgraded Westleigh Junction in July 2021 and Buckleigh Road junction in January 2022. 

Improvements to Bishops Tawton roundabout are due to be carried out by the County Council in 2025/26.