Residents demand action as Cedars roundabout traffic nightmare continues

Frustrated residents are facing a nightmare of traffic jams following the ongoing works at the Cedars roundabout in Barnstaple, leaving many more than an hour late for work or school since roadworks began on Monday (January 22).

Devon County Council (DCC) has suggested residents 'leave home earlier' or 'work from home' while pushing forward with the planned improvements despite mounting public discontent.

A petition titled 'Stop the Cedars crossing' on Change.org, initiated by AW Services, has garnered support, urging DCC to reconsider its course. Concerns raised include children being late for school, people arriving late to work and missing appointments due to the gridlock.

Fremington county councillor Frank Biederman has voiced the sentiments of many residents, calling for a serious re-evaluation of the ongoing works.

"Serious consideration must be given to stopping the works," he emphasised. "The reality is the disruption is way beyond an inconvenience."

Commuters have taken to social media, with some resorting to walking to work, though this alternative for some now takes 1.5 hours of travelling time.

In response to enquiries, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways Management, Councillor Stuart Hughes, acknowledged the inconvenience and recommended various strategies for residents, including working from home, starting journeys earlier, or exploring alternative forms of transport.

Cllr Hughes expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and assured the public that efforts were being made to remedy the situation and improve traffic flow.

He said: "I apologise for any inconvenience caused, and please be assured that every effort is being made to remedy the situation and improve traffic flow during the course of these works.”

Despite criticisms on platforms such as Facebook's North Devon News group, DCC insists the initial congestion is expected with major projects and has anticipated a reduction as the scheme becomes established.

The roadworks aim to enhance pedestrian crossing at A3125 Bickington Road and facilitate smoother entry for vehicles from Bickington and Fremington, thus improving overall traffic flow.

Despite assurances, discontent continues to spread on social media, with residents sharing their struggles and proposing various solutions. Roxanne Barefoot, a resident, exclaimed: "I can't even get out of my drive." Tom Waters voiced his frustration, saying, "how can they justify 20 weeks of this?"

While public frustration continues to mount, suggestions to car-share to alleviate congestion are being circulated as a potential solution. The situation remains fluid, with residents and authorities engaged in an ongoing dialogue regarding the impact and resolution of the current traffic chaos.

Some residents have resorted to walking to work, highlighting the unintended consequences of greener alternatives. "I'm now walking to work instead of driving, but it takes 1.5 hours," said one resident on North Devon News.

The majority of the works are being carried out using temporary traffic lights at the roundabout, with occasional overnight closures.

DCC has said that traffic queues and delays to bus services are being closely monitored and measures are in place to mitigate the impacts. The council also suggests the first few days of operation are typically the busiest, anticipating congestion to ease as the scheme becomes established.