Work underway on latest phase of Growth Point link road

Work on the latest phase of a link road between the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point and the city, is underway.

Devon County Council’s £2 million scheme, which is being funded by developer contributions, will form the next stage of the Tithebarn Link Road.

The new 360 metre section of the road, with pedestrian and cycle links, will establish the northern section of the route which will connect with the Anning Road (Science Park Drive) junction.

Although this stretch of the road will initially be an incomplete link, it will unlock the development of around 250 homes for developer Barratt Homes, which is part of the 580 home Tithebarn Green development on the eastern edge of the Science Park.

The full Tithebarn Link Road will eventually connect Cumberland Way and Anning Road (Science Park Drive north) to the old A30 near Blackhorse and will enable continued growth at Cranbrook as set out in the East Devon Local Plan.

A further phase of construction will be needed to make the final link to the old A30. A Reserved Matters application for the remaining section of the link road is currently with East Devon District Council and, subject to securing grant funding, the aim would be to start on site on this final phase in Summer 2017.

In preparation for this next phase, Blackhorse Lane will be permanently closed to through traffic in the coming months, but residential access will be maintained from the east. The closure to through traffic will improve the walking and cycling route between Cranbrook and the city centre via Redhayes Bridge.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “This is another example of an infrastructure project supporting economic growth in Devon. The construction of this northern section of the link road will enable housing and employment development to the area north of the new road later in the year, and once the route is fully constructed it will provide an important alternative to Junction 29, between Exeter and Cranbrook and SkyPark.”

Councillor Peter Bowden, Devon County Councillor for Broadclyst and Whimple, said: “This is another key project that will help drive forward the prosperity of East Devon and Exeter, and it’s encouraging to see progress being maintained.”

Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, added: “It is hard not to be impressed by the scale of progress and how infrastructure like this is unlocking the potential of Exeter and East Devon as a successful place to live and work. We are witnessing opportunities being created by local people for local people through a spirit of entrepreneurship and enterprise as a result of these projects. It is fantastic to see.”

Diversions will be in place throughout the scheme, and pedestrian access between Anning Road and Langaton Lane will be maintained with a temporary footpath.

Most of the work will take place Monday to Friday, although some work may occasionally be needed on Saturdays. The majority of construction will be carried out away from the existing road network so there should be minimal disruption.

Work will be carried out by SWH Civils Ltd on behalf of Devon County Council and is due to be completed in Spring 2017.

Sunnymead Kennels will remain open for business. Once Blackhorse Lane is permanently closed to through traffic, Sunnymead Kennels will be accessed via Langaton Lane, which runs north to south.