Devon’s ‘much needed’ A382 road upgrade set to begin this autumn

Construction work to upgrade the A382 near Newton Abbot is scheduled to start this autumn following confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) today, Tuesday 8 July.

The scheme was originally estimated at around £60 million when first planned in 2019/20. However, the scope has been revised to fit the budget provided by the Government.

The project will include an upgraded and realigned road between Forches Cross and Stover (Ice House Copse) to improve safety and journey times. 

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This section will connect to the first phase of the project that has already been completed. A new roundabout will also be built north of Forches Cross.

Additionally, the Jetty Marsh Link road and Whitehills roundabout will be constructed, incorporating walking and cycling links.

The scheme is essential to support proposed developments in Teignbridge District Council’s adopted Local Plan.

Devon County Council submitted an updated Business Case to the DfT earlier this year.

Due to reduced funding and increased inflationary costs, some proposed improvements will not be delivered in this phase. 

The section from Drumbridges to Stover and improvements at Exeter Road have been removed from the current project but remain priorities for future delivery as funding becomes available.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “These improvements are very much needed for the A382 so I’m pleased that construction can now get underway. It’s unfortunate that this project has been delayed while awaiting confirmation of Government funding, but we welcome what is still a significant investment that will help support growth by unlocking development, while also improving safety and providing active travel links.”

Councillor Sally Morgan, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said: “While I’m very disappointed that the entire route is delayed, particularly the section around Drumbridges, I’m pleased to see that the planned cycling and walking links are still being included in the next phase. Those links were crucial during the planning phase in getting the road approved by councillors. I hope, when the final section is completed, that residents can safely use this route without always having to rely on a car.”

Councillor Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control at Teignbridge District Council, said: “I welcome this ‘green light’ to the funding for further construction on the A382, which will aid traffic flow, road safety and active travel options - while also supporting future development in the wider Newton Abbot area. The available budget does mean we cannot progress all elements of the original scheme at this stage, however, it’s great news that the much-needed Whitehills roundabout and Jetty Marsh Phase 2 link road will now be built, along with the extension of local pedestrian and cycle routes.”

The project, funded by the UK Government, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council, builds on the first phase of improvements to the A382 and A382/A383 Link Road.

It is also part of the Live Labs 2 programme, one of seven pioneering projects nationally funded by the DfT and organised by ADEPT (Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport). 

The aim is to make the A382 the UK’s first “carbon negative” highway by reducing carbon emissions during construction and maintenance.