Civil Engineer’s President to visit South Devon Link Road

The South Devon Link Road project team will be welcoming Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President Geoff French when he visits the South West early next month (4 July).

Devon County Council and Torbay Council, along with Galliford Try, will be hosting a special visit for the President as part of his tour of UK regions.

Geoff French will be visiting the site to find out more about the project. He will be given a presentation on the background, followed by a tour of the construction site for the chance to view the works at close quarters.

Andrew Leadbetter, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth at Devon County Council, said: “The South Devon Link Road project is the largest highway project in the South West, encompassing many complex and innovative engineering techniques and we are pleased to have the opportunity to show ICE President Geoff French what has been achieved so far.”

Gordon Oliver, Mayor of Torbay said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the President to the South Devon Link Road site.  The new road will bring a large number of benefits to the area and we are looking forward to having a detailed discussion with the President on how engineering can benefit local communities.”

Jim Watson, South Devon Link Road Project Director, said: "When complete, this challenging project will have created some incredible engineering feats – from flood alleviation measures, to the large scale flyover at Penn Inn.  We look forward to showcasing what’s been achieved so far and our plans for the next eighteen months.

“Training and skills are at the heart of what we do and this is why we created a National Skills Academy on site, providing training and increasing the skills of all employees and sub-contractors. We want to ensure South Devon will be left with a legacy of developed skills when the project is complete – this has included recruiting apprentices, employing graduates and working with schools to help inspire the engineers of the future.”

ICE South West Regional Director, Trish Johnson said: “We are looking forward to visiting the South Devon Link Road site with the President.  It is a hugely important engineering project for the area – economically, socially and environmentally – and we look forward to seeing progress.”

The South Devon Link Road is a 5.5km dual carriageway, which will provide the long awaited bypass for Kingskerswell.  The road will bypass the existing A380 between Newton Abbot and Torbay. Currently under construction, the major new road is scheduled to be complete by December 2015.   The project was granted full approval by the government in May 2012 and work began in the September 2012.

The improved access to Torbay and South Devon is expected to bring lasting economic benefits, leading to the creation of nearly 8,000 jobs in South Devon, with around 3,500 of these in Torbay.  It is predicted that the new road will remove 95% of traffic away from Kingskerswell, restoring and revitalising the village.

Further information relating to the South Devon Link Road can be found on the website www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk where you can also register to receive an electronic monthly bulletin designed to keep residents and motorists informed.