Work to start on new link to Tithebarn Lane

Preparatory work on a new road connection to Tithebarn Lane, on the outskirts of Exeter, is due to start on site on Monday (11 August).

The new £3 million road will link the existing Tithebarn Lane bridge and the northern end of Science Park to a new roundabout which will be constructed on Cumberland Way.

The route forms part of the access strategy to the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point. The improvements will offer an alternative route for local traffic to help tackle congestion and improve the resilience of both the A30 and M5. It will also become an important bus route that will connect Cranbrook, Skypark, Science Park and Monkerton with the city centre.

Construction work is expected to be completed in Spring 2015.

Devon County Council has successfully secured funding for the scheme from the Department for Transport's Local Pinch Point fund and the Regional Growth Fund.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “This new link road is another important element in connecting Exeter to the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point. It will ensure that any growth in traffic will be managed, and that the improvements to Junction 29 of the M5 will continue to operate effectively as the Growth Point develops. The route will provide direct access to new development sites, which could deliver around 5,800 homes. It will also unlock access to new employment sites, which will offer the potential to create around 3,000 jobs.”

Cllr Emma Morse, Devon County Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake, said: "Exeter is a thriving city and with this comes the need for housing in and around the city.  It is important that we also have the correct infrastructure.  The Tithebarn link road is an example of money being invested in the right areas to reduce impact on smaller local road network."

Most of the works will be carried out off of the existing road network and as far as possible excavated material will be re-used on site to reduce traffic movements to and from the site. However, a plant crossing will be in use on Pinn Lane which may cause some disruption at times and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible. The Stagecoach B bus will continue running on Pinn Lane.

Tithebarn Lane will be closed to traffic from a point east of Higher Tithe Barn Cottages to the junction with Langaton Lane from early September, but access will be maintained for pedestrians.

The track running between Tithebarn Lane and Gipsy Hill Lane will remain open for as long as possible, but will become impassable at some stage during construction, which will be advertised using road signs at both ends of the lane. Once construction work has been completed, the track will be re-opened to pedestrians.

Every effort will be made to minimise disruption as much as possible and work will be carried out Monday to Friday. However it may occasionally be necessary for work to continue into Saturday.

The work will be carried out by contractor Fox (Owmby) Ltd on behalf of Devon County Council.