Temporary one-way system to become permanent

Works will begin on Magdalen Road in January

A permanent scheme to make Exeter’s Magdalen Road one-way will start in January.

In a letter to local residents, Devon County Council has revealed work will begin on Monday, 16 January and take around three to four months to complete.

It will involve widening the northern footway to approximately match the existing temporary barriers, retaining the one-way (westbound) restriction for vehicular traffic and adding an advisory contra-flow cycle lane.

During the construction works, businesses will remain open as usual but sections of the road will need to be closed to motor vehicles at different stages of the project.

Popular for its independent shops and restaurants, Magdalen Road was temporarily made one-way in June 2020 to support social distancing and encourage cycling and walking.

Like many of the other one-way road trials along the new E9 cycle route, which connects the Newcourt/Pynes Hill area to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and city centre, councillors voted to keep the layout in the summer following a public consultation.

It found nearly 75 per cent of respondents agreed with reducing through-traffic on the road. However, only half the traders who responded backed the plans.

The scheme also features other alterations along Magdalen Road, including a raised hump uncontrolled crossing point at the junction with Denmark Road, public realm enhancements, and three new loading bays to be incorporated into the widened footpath.

The work is expected to cost around £1 million, half of which will come from the Department for Transport. Funds from the county council’s local transport plan make up the rest.

Writing in support of the scheme before it was given council approval in June, Devon’s director of climate change, environment and transport Meg Booth described it as “well-aligned with a range of actions within the strategic plan, insofar as it would prioritise walking and cycling over vehicular traffic, and therefore encourage more people to walk and cycle.”

She added: “The scheme is also designed to improve the urban environment on Magdalen Road, making it a more attractive destination for shopping and dining, and providing additional space for community activities.”

Ms Booth “acknowledged that some car journeys will be made longer by the proposals,” while there “may be an increase in traffic on some adjacent roads.”

However, she concluded: “In view of the significant potential for modal shift from car to active travel, there is expected to be an overall benefit in relation to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

The contractor is expected to establish a presence on site from Tuesday, 3 January to begin preparation for the works.