New 80m cycle bridge to transform travel over A38 at Plympton

Work has begun at Deep Lane junction near Plympton to prepare for an 80-metre cycle and pedestrian bridge over the A38 trunk road.

The project was approved by Devon County Council in February 2025 and is being funded by the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the Sherford Consortium, and the council.

Devon County Council told The Moorlander the scheme will include widening the westbound off-slip road, which will help improve the existing congestion issues at the Deep Lane junction. 

The bridge will also create a dedicated walking and cycling link between the Sherford development and Langage Business Park, a long-term aspiration first proposed in 2006.

Vegetation clearance began on Monday, 2 February, and will take place over 12 nights, from 8pm to 6am, to limit disruption for road users.

The work will also allow BT to divert its infrastructure ahead of construction.

The initial phase will focus on the slip road and Deep Lane junction for five nights until Friday, 6 February. Lane closures on Deep Lane (B3416) will follow from Monday, 9 February, to Wednesday, 11 February. 

A further four weeknights of work are scheduled from Thursday, 12 February, to Tuesday, 17 February, but no traffic management will be needed during these evenings.

As part of the planning consent, Devon County Council has worked with South Hams District Council to create replacement habitat nearby, providing 110 per cent of the biodiversity value of the vegetation being removed.

The new crossing is expected to deliver long-term benefits for pedestrians and cyclists while helping to reduce traffic delays at one of Plympton’s busiest junctions.