Changes to major Barnstaple junction intended to boost cycling and walking

Planned changes to a major Barnstaple junction to help boost cycling and walking will go out to public consultation.

The existing junction at Longbridge 'significantly hinders ease of access for walking, wheeling [wheelchairs and mobility scooters] and cycling between the rail station, retail park and the town centre,' according to Devon County Council.

It intends to 'rationalise vehicle movements' through this junction and the Station Road roundabout by removing the left turn for vehicles from the Longbridge to Seven Brethren Bank and the right turn from the opposite approach.

This would mean all traffic signals, which are 'beyond their design life', would be removed, replaced with only one signalised crossing for the main A3125 at the end of the Longbridge.

The redesign includes new and improved walking and cycling paths, a new raised pedestrian crossing, and changes to the markings and layout of the Station Road roundabout, while the crossing of Station Road next to the roundabout will be improved.

A council report outlining the plan says the extra walking and cycling links are needed as the junction is the intersection for five key walking and cycling routes.

It adds the project will play a 'vital role in enabling active travel, helping to keep people healthy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. This will also aid with the government’s aim for 50 per cent of short urban trips to be by walking or wheeling by 2030'.

The work will be funded mostly by section 106 developer contributions, while the council believes it will deliver 'maintenance budget savings by removing equipment from the highway'.

North Devon’s highways and traffic orders committee supported going to consultation at its meeting last week. This will 'influence any amendments to the design,' the report added.

Devon’s ruling cabinet will need to give final approval to any scheme but it’s hoped, subject to public feedback, work will start next year.