Upgraded North Devon Link Road open

All upgraded sections of the North Devon Link Road are now open.

Improved stretches of the A361 have been opening in stages and the final developments between South Molton and Portmore roundabout are now substantially complete. 

In recent weeks, the new Landkey roundabout, improved sections between Portmore roundabout and Landkey roundabout, and between Landkey roundabout and Harford Cross have all opened, as well as the area from Harford Cross to Yarnacott, which has been widened to provide new overtaking lanes. 

The final few areas which have opened over the past few days include Borners Bridge, Hacche Lane, and the new junction and overbridge at West Buckland, which replaces the old staggered crossroads. The last element to be finished was the section from Landkey viaduct through to Tilery Bridge. 

Landscaping around the upgraded areas and some minor work will be carried out in the coming months. 

Maintenance work is also being planned on main routes through some of the communities that were on diversion routes during construction of the scheme, including resurfacing in Landkey.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “Now that the upgraded sections of road have opened, the A361 will provide greater reliability of journeys and safety will be much improved at junctions and roundabouts. 

“As a North Devon resident myself, I share everyone’s frustration in having had to use the Link Road while work has been ongoing since July 2021 and that the scheme has ended up running behind schedule. However, I have to stress that the delays have not been at the cost of the taxpayer. 

“During construction works, traffic has been maintained in both directions along the A361 during the daytime. When the road has been closed overnight, traffic has been diverted through a number of small communities. Our thanks must go to people along the diversion routes for their patience and I’m pleased to say some of those communities, like Landkey, will benefit from maintenance works on their main routes.” 

John Lee, Operations Director for Griffiths, said: “From the outset Griffiths, Devon County Council and our supply chain partners have worked collaboratively to deliver this scheme, overcoming several challenges and unprecedented global events, and we’d like to thank everyone in the surrounding communities for their patience and support whilst the project has been delivered.” 

Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, County Councillor for South Molton, said: “I am delighted and somewhat relieved that the A361 upgrade is now open. I am particularly pleased for the delivery of the West Buckland and South Molton junction upgrades which will hugely improve safety of the route and its connections with nearby communities, future proofing the main arterial road access for South Molton, North Molton, West Buckland and their hinterland. Many thanks to all concerned in the delivery of the project.”

Councillor Paul Henderson, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Landkey, said: “I'm delighted that the improvements are now open and that the overnight closures have now come to an end. We’re told that any further overnight work that might be needed on the A361 through this scheme will be carried out under traffic lights to avoid diverting traffic through Swimbridge and Landkey. On behalf of Devon County Council, I'd like to thank all the residents of Swimbridge and Landkey for their patience and tolerance. Thanks must also go to the members of both Landkey and Swimbridge Parish Councils who have been so supportive for the duration of the works.”

As part of the A361 improvement project, the “main scheme” undertaken by Griffiths has focused on the upgrade of four junctions, and two new sections of overtaking lanes on the A361 between South Molton and Portmore roundabout. This has been carried out to improve safety, make journey times more reliable, support economic growth and to help unlock planned development in North Devon. 

In addition to the main improvements carried out by Griffiths, as part of the wider £67 million link road improvement project which has been backed with £60 million of Department for Transport (DfT) funding, Devon County Council had already upgraded Westleigh Junction in July 2021 and Buckleigh Road junction in January 2022. Improvements to Bishops Tawton roundabout are due to be carried out by the County Council in 2025/26.