Joint cycle/footpath heralds delays

£1 million per kilometre and nine months of delays

Delays on one of the main roads into Newton Abbot could last until  the spring, while improvements to a pedestrian and cycle route are carried out on a scheme that's been heralded as great news for Newton Abbot. The east to west’ shared cycling and pedestrian route along the A383 on Ashburton Road begins on Monday 30 July and will last for nine months.

Around 1.2km of the northern footpath route is being widened in a £1.45m scheme to create a shared pedestrian and cycle path connecting new housing at Houghton Barton and Hele Park to schools, the railway station, local amenities, the town centre and the rest of the town’s cycle network.

The first phase of works between Orchard Grove and Oak Park Road brings two-way traffic lights between Laurie Avenue and Oak Park Road after 9.30am. The on Monday 6 August, Laurie Avenue will be made a temporary one-way system for around six weeks. 

Throughout the scheme, the majority of work will be carried out using two-way traffic signals, but some road closures, temporary one-way systems and stop and go boards with a convoy vehicle will be needed.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “It’s vital that we develop infrastructure to encourage more walking and cycling across Devon. By providing safe and convenient routes from new housing developments at Houghton Barton and Hele Park it can help reduce short car journeys, reducing congestion and improving air quality.”

It is being funded by the government’s National Productivity Investment Fund, Local Transport Plan, and developer contributions.

When approved by the council’s cabinet in September 2017, Cllr Gordon Hook, Devon County Council’s local member for Newton Abbot South, said: “This is great news for Newton Abbot. A high quality cycling corridor will encourage more people of all ages and abilities to walk and cycle to school, to work and to local services.”