Revamp planned for Barnstaple bridge so it is safer for cyclists and pedestrians

A major cash boost has been secured to dramatically improve a ‘complicated’ road layout in and around Barnstaple’s Longbridge.

A total of £862,900 has been approved to make improvements to the A3125/Longbridge junction, which brings multi-directional traffic, pedestrians and cyclists together in one place.

Besides its 18,700 daily vehicle movements, the junction connects the town centre, bus and railway stations, Petroc College, schools, Seven Brethren and more.

Devon County Council’s cabinet heard today (Wednesday, December 10) that data showed 5,000 people walk and 600 cycle across the Longbridge every day.

READ MORE: Changes to major Barnstaple junction intended to boost cycling and walking

The plan will mean new areas of shared use and segregated space for people walking, wheeling and cycling as well as a ‘significantly simplified’ crossing arrangement.

The current three-stage signalised crossing of the A3125 would be replaced by a single stage toucan crossing and the current two-stage signalised crossing of Seven Brethren Bank would become a parallel pedestrian and cycle crossing. Toucan crossings are traffic light controlled but have an additional signal for cycles.

Other measures to make it safer for walkers and cyclists would include removing the right turn for all vehicles from the A3125 into Seven Brethren Bank and the removal of the left turn from the A3125/Longbridge for vehicles over seven metres long.

It is believed that will increase space for those walking and cycling, with vehicles redirected via Station Road roundabout and Station Road, which itself will see a two-stage signalised pedestrian/cycle crossing.

Barnstaple county councillor Caroline Leaver told the meeting: “This will be a great opportunity to simplify the currently quite complicated road arrangement there and make it a better environment for people who choose not to use their cars.

“It will link directly with the Tarka Trail, too, which is the longest continuously paved cycleway in the country and one of the main reasons people come to North Devon.”

Cllr Leaver added there had been a “lot of work” on the project, including a public consultation and that the outcome was one that was widely backed by the town’s residents.

She added: “We’ve been working with businesses, too, to make sure they are happy and I can only recommend this project, as it is a really important interchange.

“The scheme is much improved as a result of having listened to local people.”

A report produced for the cabinet said the current layout is dominated by space for motorised traffic, resulting in people walking, cycling or wheeling (ie using wheelchairs or mobility scooters) needing to navigate multiple, indirect signalised crossings.

“These numerous crossings increase frustration and delay to all road users and can lead to unsafe crossing practices,” it said.

READ MORE: Major investment to enhance North Devon’s walking and cycling infrastructure

Councillor Jacqui Hodgson, the cabinet member with responsibility for climate change, said there had been a “lot of work” around Barnstaple to try and improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists and that the forthcoming changes at Longbridge would “improve the experience and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.”

It is expected the works will be completed by the end of 2026. The cash for the scheme has come from a range of sources, including developer contributions, £150,000 from Devon’s portion of the Active Travel Fund, as well as government-related transport funding.