Work is underway on a congestion-busting scheme to extend Dinan Way in Exmouth.
A ceremonial turf cutting has marked the occasion with Devon County Council Chairman John Hart joined by fellow councillors, David Reed MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, project partners and contractor Octavius Infrastructure Limited who will be carrying out the work.
UK Government funding was successfully secured for the scheme by the County Council and it is also being backed with contributions from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Exmouth Town Council.
The scheme, which aims to improve traffic flow in Exmouth, will extend Dinan Way by around 830 metres, linking the road from its junction with Hulham Road to the A376 Exmouth Road. Work is scheduled to take around 12 months and is due to be completed by the end of 2025.
The installation of a new roundabout at the junction between Dinan Way and Hulham Road is due to start on Monday 23 January and is expected to continue until the summer. Temporary traffic lights, which will be manually operated from 7am-6pm, will be in place while this work is undertaken. There will also be overnight closures for resurfacing in the summer. (More information on these overnight closures will be available nearer the time).
This will be followed by the development of a new roundabout at the junction between the A376 and the Dinan Way extension, again with temporary lights in place.
Earthworks for the new extension to Dinan Way, which will feature a two-metre wide shared path along one side for pedestrians and cyclists, have already started. Construction of the road is scheduled to start in the autumn but this will not impact the A376 or Hulham Road.
This scheme will also provide the opportunity to close Summer Lane to through traffic, providing a better route for active travel and supporting improved links to the Exe Estuary Trail, which connects to the rail station town centre and seafront.
Devon County Council Chairman John Hart said: “It was always originally planned for Dinan Way to connect to the A376 and this scheme does that. This extension itself may not be that long but it has the potential to be transformational for Exmouth and the wider area, offering better access to business parks and employment areas which can boost the local economy and supporting housing development planned on the northern outskirts of the town.”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “I’m delighted to see that over £15 million in Government investment is going towards this much needed project, which will help ease congestion, speed up journey times and provide better routes for active travel in Exmouth. Investing into our roads is vital to help people get around more quickly, support jobs and deliver economic growth across the country.”
David Reed MP for Exmouth & Exeter East said: “It’s fantastic to see this vitally important project get underway. After decades of campaigning, Exmouth’s missing link road will be finally complete and will give our town much improved transport flow. Credit where credit is due for East Devon’s former MP, Simon Jupp, for leading the charge in the last parliament and securing the circa £16 million to fund the new road. Moreover, it’s been great to witness the multiple layers of local government coming together to assist with funding and project delivery. I look forward to opening our new road this year and for us all to get use out of it for decades to come.”
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “Traffic volumes in and around Exmouth are heavy, so the development of this extension to Dinan Way will support an alternative access to the A376. This scheme will also have a positive impact on all forms of travel, removing traffic from unsuitable residential roads to reduce congestion and improve journey times, unlocking improved links to walking and cycling routes, and providing a more direct bus route to Exeter – all of which will help tackle carbon emissions.”
Councillor Jeff Trail BEM, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “This long-awaited project of the New Dinan Way Link Road to the North of Exmouth, has been achieved through the hard work of Local Devon County Council (DCC) Councillors, DCC Cabinet member, Local MPs, East Devon District Council and Exmouth Town Council. It will open up opportunities for employment at Liverton Business Park, and provide better access of pedestrian and cycle routes around the area for residents and visitors to enjoy what is on offer locally.”
Councillor Richard Scott, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth, said: “It is exciting to see the new link road start to take shape after many years of hard work to secure the funding and planning. We look forward to the positive impacts of this scheme which should reduce vehicle numbers through Woodbury, open up the North of Exmouth to the Exe Estuary and Trail for walking and cycling. We expect to see new and better bus services to and from Exeter and a reduction in the use of minor roads from the A376. This is a huge investment into our community, and we are proud to deliver it.”
Councillor Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said: “Dinan Way is a vital part of our local infrastructure, and I understand the frustration many East Devon residents feel about the current congestion in the area. That’s why I’m pleased we’ve been able to contribute to funding these essential improvements. The road extension will not only ease traffic flow but also promote active and sustainable travel, with enhanced walking and cycling paths and improved public transport connections. I look forward to seeing the scheme come to fruition over the coming year.”
Councillor Joe Whibley, Chairman of Exmouth Town Council, said: “The Town Council is delighted to hear that this important infrastructure project is soon to be underway and is proud to have contributed financially to the scheme. We hope that the road will provide a respite from heavier traffic in the town, and make life easier for those visiting and living here.”