South Devon Link Road no longer a mere pipe-dream! (September 2011)

South Devon Link Road no longer a mere pipe-dream! (September 2011)

News regarding the final plans for a major and vital new road (as reported by ‘Devon in Business’ this month – see below) provides the real prospect for an end to the all too well known and long tolerated traffic jams on the A38 between Newton Abbot and Torbay. This report will be music to the ears for businesses and the general public alike – so bring it on!

Roger Mundy, Beardsley Theobalds

Final bid to Government for vital Link Road

Final plans for a major new road that will end decades of traffic jam misery on the A380 between Newton Abbot and Torbay, and help create nearly 8,000 new jobs in South Devon, have been submitted to the Government. Devon County Council and Torbay Council, supported by Teignbridge District Council, jointly submitted the 5.5km dual carriageway South Devon Link Road scheme for approval by Department for Transport Ministers. The scheme which would by-pass Kingskerswell and end the daily tailbacks trailing through the village caused by 35,000 vehicles attempting to get in and out of Torbay, is backed by local MPs, the Local Enterprise Partnership, emergency services, South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, Stagecoach, Devon and Somerset Law Society and Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The scheme commands strong and broad support from the public and businesses; the latest consultation exercise showed that 72 per cent of respondents support the South Devon Link Road. The new road would improve bus services, enabling faster, regular services, and allow new safe cycle routes to be constructed including one through Kingskerswell. It is the key plank of a wider integrated transport plan that will include improved rail services between Newton Abbot and Torbay and a new station at Edginswell. The existing two lane road through the village is one of the most heavily congested roads in the country outside London and a notorious traffic choke point. Concerns over harmful vehicle emissions led to the village being designated an Air Quality Management Area monitored by environmental health experts. Over 4,000 vehicles a day use the local lanes as dangerous rat runs much to the concern of the emergency services. All three emergency services – the Police, Fire Service and Ambulance Service – strongly support the new road, as does the South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust which is responsible for the area’s general hospital in Torbay. All believe that the proposed new South Devon Link Road would significantly reduce accidents, improve response times and improve patient care. The new road would direct an estimated 95% of traffic away from Kingskerswell, restoring and revitalising the heart of the local community.

An estimated 7,960 jobs would be created across South Devon as a direct result of the new road being built with 3,600 new jobs in Torbay, providing the economy of the Bay area with a much needed boost. Independent research indicates that every £1 invested into the construction of the bypass will produce a £9 stimulus to the South Devon economy. As an indication of how high a priority the local authorities regard the proposed road, Devon County Council and Torbay Council have committed £33 million from their budgets towards the scheme costs and Teignbridge District Council, which represents the Newton Abbot – Kingskerswell area, has just announced it will contribute up to a further £500,000, reducing the contribution sought from the Department for Transport by 30 per cent to £76.3 million. The Leader of Devon County Council, John Hart , said: "This is a vital scheme which will have great benefits for the economy of South Devon. It will help to create nearly 8,000 new jobs for local people and over 4,000 of those will be outside Torbay. This project has the backing of every local MP, business leaders and Devon County Council, Torbay Council and Teignbridge Council. We are now relying on the Government to back our partnership and give us the financial support we need." The Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver, said: "Today’s submission is a compelling business case for investment in the communities and economy of South Devon. The new road is the missing link that will end the chronic congestion strangling local businesses and polluting the environment. It will be the catalyst for improved public transport and help get local people out of the benefit trap and into work." Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes said: "The local authorities have been working very hard to ensure that the final submission for South Devon Link Road is the very best one. To that end we have consulted widely, worked closely with our contractor and reviewed line by line every aspect of the scheme to make sure every pound invested will deliver great value and grow the economy. Teignbridge District Council’s contribution is a great example of local authorities working in collaboration for the future well-being of people in South Devon. I hope Ministers will give their full support to this vital scheme." Tim Jones, Chairman of The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, representing over 50,000 businesses in Devon and Somerset, said "The Local Enterprise Partnership fully endorses the bid for the South Devon Link Road. It's not just vital for economic development and growth - it's vital for our communities to be able to flourish and to help our two counties realise their potential. The road is a fundamental piece of infrastructure that has the capacity to transform lives, creating opportunities and encourage prosperity. It's an absolute necessity and we look forward to hearing the announcement in December.".