Navigating Newton Abbot: Road Improvement Plans

Anyone who has attempted to traverse Newton Abbot by car in recent months will undoubtedly be familiar with the profound frustration of being ensnared in seemingly endless queues of traffic. Whether your journey takes you along Totnes Road, Torquay Road, Ashburton Road, Newton Road, or Exeter Road, motorists have increasingly found themselves facing significant delays, particularly during the dreaded rush hour. This persistent gridlock isn't merely an inconvenience; it represents lost time, increased stress, and a significant impediment to daily life for residents and commuters alike. The recent roadworks on Exeter Road, specifically near the new Whitehill housing development, have exacerbated this issue, with some individuals reporting journeys taking an additional 30 minutes to complete, stretching back for considerable distances.

This growing traffic problem is not an isolated incident but a symptom of broader development and growth within the region. Teignbridge District Council’s adopted Local Plan outlines ambitious proposed residential and employment developments that are set to bring substantial increases in population and economic activity to the area. Specifically, the 'Heart of Teignbridge' area is earmarked for approximately 6,000 new homes and 11,000 new jobs. Furthermore, a considerable amount of residential development – some 2,300 homes – is planned for the west of Newton Abbot, alongside allocated land for employment at Forches Cross, which will benefit from direct access onto the A382. Devon County Council openly acknowledges that these proposed developments will inevitably lead to significant traffic growth along the A382 corridor, impacting not only vehicles travelling to and from Newton Abbot but also those using the A38 for onward journeys to Exeter and Plymouth. Beyond sheer volume, the A382 also presents safety concerns, ranking as the eighth worst A-road in Devon in terms of safety, having witnessed two fatal collisions over the past five years. Its high traffic flows, exceeding 900 vehicles per hour southbound during evening rush hour, underscore the urgent need for intervention.

A Comprehensive Vision: Addressing Newton Abbot's Traffic Challenges

Recognising the severity and future implications of this congestion, Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council have embarked on a significant programme of infrastructure improvements. This ambitious undertaking, valued at an estimated £30 million, spans from Drumbridges on the A38 right through to the Churchills roundabout in Newton Abbot. A pivotal element of this grand strategy is the introduction of a new link road, Jetty Marsh Phase II, connecting Whitehill Cross to West Golds Way, conveniently located near the hospital. The overarching goal of these proposed measures is multifaceted: to realign and widen existing roads, thereby creating the necessary extra capacity to cope with the anticipated increase in traffic stemming from the developments planned for the Heart of Teignbridge area, including those to the west of Newton Abbot. Beyond vehicular traffic, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainable travel, with proposals for parallel footpath and cycleways that will seamlessly integrate into the wider Newton Abbot network. A 'Park and Change' site at Forches Cross is also on the cards, encouraging motorists to switch to more environmentally friendly modes of transport for the final leg of their journeys. Furthermore, a new link road cutting through the somewhat controversial NA3 site on the other side of town is proposed, designed to connect the A381 and the A380, thereby linking up with the South Devon Highway. These projects collectively represent a concerted effort to future-proof Newton Abbot's road network, ensuring it can accommodate growth while improving the quality of life for its residents.

Detailed Breakdown: Key A382 Corridor Improvements

The A382 corridor improvements are a central pillar of the strategy to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity around Newton Abbot. These improvements are being delivered in phases, each addressing specific pinch points and future needs.

Phase 1: Forches Cross to Whitehill Cross

Significant progress has already been made on the first phase of measures designed to improve the A382 between Drumbridges and Newton Abbot, with final approval recently granted. This initial phase of the A382 Corridor Scheme encompasses several crucial upgrades. It proposes the realignment and widening of the A382 to a generous 10 metres between Forches Cross and Whitehill Cross. A new roundabout will be constructed at Ringslade Road, designed to improve traffic flow and safety at this junction. Crucially, a shared pedestrian and cycle path will be established along the A382, promoting active travel and offering safer options for those not travelling by car. Devon County Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the scheme for construction within a £13.05 million budget, paving the way for a contract to be awarded and for construction to commence. This phase is anticipated to deliver tangible benefits, including improved journey times, enhanced safety for all road users, and a significant encouragement for the use of sustainable modes of transport. Work on this vital scheme is projected to begin by the end of this year, with completion expected by next summer.

Phase 2: The Critical Houghton Barton Link

In a move deemed critical for the future of Newton Abbot's road network, Teignbridge District Council planners gave unanimous approval earlier in September for Devon County Council’s ambitious plans to construct 2.5 kilometres of new road. This vital link will cut across from the A382 to the A383, seamlessly traversing the Houghton Barton development area. The proposed A382-A383 connection is considered absolutely essential in addressing the anticipated increase in traffic resulting from the proposed developments around Newton Abbot, particularly around Ashburton Road, Dyrons roundabout, Whitehills roundabout, and Exeter Road. Its timely delivery is paramount to ensuring that the Houghton Barton development can proceed as planned without creating insurmountable traffic issues. The new road will feature a 30mph speed limit, and reports indicate an opening date of 2021. The route of this new road will originate from the north-west of Forches Cross, roughly following Staplehill Road until its junction with Perry Lane. From there, it will continue along Perry Lane until it nears Howton Road. At this point, it will cross agricultural land, with one spur connecting to Buttercup Way and a second spur joining with Howton Lane, eventually exiting onto the A383 Ashburton Road. A report presented to the meeting underscored the scheme's overall positive impact on the highway network, predicting improved junction operation, reduced journey times, and enhanced safety. Complementing the road itself, a segregated cycle and footway will be provided along the entire length of the new road, and a dedicated foot and cycle bridge will be constructed over the road at Forches Cross, further cementing the commitment to sustainable travel. This phase is intricately linked to Policy NA1 of the Teignbridge Local Plan, which allocates land for at least 1,800 homes, 18 hectares of employment, a road linking the A382 to the A383, a primary school, and other essential community facilities and open spaces.

Phase 3: Completing the Network – Drumbridges, Jetty Marsh II & Exeter Road

Phase 3 encompasses the remaining sections required to complete the comprehensive strategy for Newton Abbot's road improvements. The Drumbridges to Forches Cross stretch is a significant component of this phase, having been granted outline planning permission in June 2017. This substantial £28.5 million scheme will involve straightening the alignment of the road, widening the section from Trago Mills to White Hills Cross, and developing a section of dual carriageway between Drumbridges and the Trago Mills roundabout. These enhancements are designed to dramatically improve traffic flow and capacity on this key stretch of the A382.

Proposed improvements to Exeter Road were also agreed upon by the council’s cabinet in February. These schemes will see the road widened to a six-metre carriageway and the footway expanded to 3.5 metres, allowing ample room for a shared footway and cycleway. These upgrades are crucial for bringing the road up to the standard required to support the new homes and economic growth outlined in the adopted Local Plan. The Exeter Road improvements are estimated to cost £2.4 million and, subject to securing the necessary funding, could be completed by 2022. The shared path will significantly enhance pedestrian and cycle facilities, actively encouraging sustainable travel by providing adequate and safe space for pedestrians and cyclists. Furthermore, a pedestrian refuge island at Whitehill Close will be installed, enabling residents from Whitehill Close, Orleigh Avenue, and Orleigh Park to safely access bus services on the A382. However, it is acknowledged that this scheme will necessitate the acquisition of private land belonging to six landowners, and the council admits that the amount of land required will impact rear gardens and bring the road closer to some properties.

The revised Jetty Marsh II section also forms a critical part of Phase 3. A planning application for this section was submitted in Spring 2019 and received approval earlier this week. This vital link between the A382 and West Golds Way is specifically designed to mitigate the impact of development traffic on Churchill’s roundabout, a notorious congestion point. By providing an alternative route, it aims to reduce congestion and increase capacity for traffic accessing Newton Abbot town centre. The approximately 380 metres of new highway, which will also incorporate pedestrian and cycle facilities, will connect the existing cul-de-sac by Newton Abbot Hospital to a newly proposed roundabout where Exeter Road connects to Bovey Tracey Road. The current programme anticipates Jetty Marsh II to commence construction at the end of 2022, with completion projected by the end of 2024.

The Southern Connector: A380-A381 Link Road

Beyond the A382 corridor, another significant project is the proposed A380-A381 Link Road. This link road is an integral part of the controversial plans for 1,210 new homes to be built on green space to the south of Newton Abbot, specifically within the NA3 Wolborough Barton development framework. The Local Plan includes this crucial piece of infrastructure. The main street, which will run from the A381 Totnes Road to Kingskerswell Road near the A380, is intended to be delivered early in the development timeline. This early delivery is a key point, as Teignbridge District Council cited the lack of early provision of this link road as one of the reasons for refusing previous PCL planning scheme applications in February. While the applicants had proposed full delivery once 500 homes were occupied, both Teignbridge and Devon County Council considered that 300 homes would already lead to an unacceptable short-term adverse impact without the road in place. This underscores the importance of this link in managing the traffic impact of the new development.

Looking Ahead: Easing the Flow for Newton Abbot's Future

The collective impact of these multi-phase projects is expected to be transformative for Newton Abbot. The current frustration of sitting in long queues, particularly at key roundabouts like Churchills, is a daily reality for many. However, with the strategic widening of roads, the creation of new link roads like Houghton Barton and Jetty Marsh II, and the emphasis on integrated pedestrian and cycle networks, the future promises a more fluid and less stressful travel experience. These improvements are not just about moving cars; they are about fostering sustainable communities, improving safety, and ensuring that Newton Abbot can accommodate its planned growth without grinding to a halt. While the construction phases themselves may bring temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits of enhanced connectivity, reduced journey times, and a safer, more accessible town centre will undoubtedly make the investment worthwhile. The commitment from both Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council highlights a proactive approach to infrastructure development, aiming to alleviate current pressures and prepare the town for its future as a vibrant hub in Devon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main causes of congestion in Newton Abbot?
The primary causes include high traffic volumes, particularly during rush hour on key routes like Totnes Road, Torquay Road, Ashburton Road, Newton Road, and Exeter Road. This is exacerbated by the significant planned residential and employment developments outlined in the Teignbridge District Council’s Local Plan, which are set to increase vehicle numbers considerably.

How much is being invested in road improvements?
Approximately £30 million is being invested in a comprehensive programme of improvements stretching from Drumbridges to Newton Abbot. Specific phases have individual budgets, such as £13.05 million for A382 Phase 1 and £2.4 million for Exeter Road improvements.

When will these improvements be completed?
Completion dates vary by phase. A382 Phase 1 (Forches Cross to Whitehill Cross) is expected to be completed by summer next year. The Houghton Barton Link (Phase 2) had an opening date of 2021 in reports. Exeter Road improvements are hoped to be complete by 2022 (subject to funding). Jetty Marsh II is programmed to start at the end of 2022 and be completed by the end of 2024.

Will the new developments make traffic worse initially?
Devon County Council acknowledges that the planned residential and employment developments will result in significant traffic growth. The road improvement schemes are specifically designed to mitigate this anticipated increase and prevent congestion from worsening, though temporary disruption during construction phases is possible.

Are there options for cyclists and pedestrians included in the plans?
Yes, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainable travel. Proposed measures include parallel footpath and cycleways linking into the wider Newton Abbot network, a shared pedestrian and cycle path along the A382 Phase 1, and segregated cycle/foot ways along the Houghton Barton Link and Jetty Marsh II.

What is the Houghton Barton Link?
The Houghton Barton Link is a proposed 2.5-kilometre new road connecting the A382 to the A383, passing through the Houghton Barton development area. It is considered critical for addressing increased traffic from new developments, particularly around Ashburton Road and other key junctions.

What is the Jetty Marsh II project?
Jetty Marsh II is a new link road, approximately 380 metres long, between the A382 and West Golds Way. Its purpose is to reduce congestion at Churchill’s roundabout and increase capacity for traffic accessing Newton Abbot town centre, connecting the cul-de-sac by Newton Abbot Hospital to a new roundabout near Bovey Tracey Road.

Will private land be affected by the roadworks?
Yes, for schemes like the Exeter Road improvements, private land belonging to six landowners will be required. The council has stated this will impact rear gardens and bring the road closer to some properties.

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