Presentation by Simon Hill, Principal Engineer, Devon County Council.
Minutes:
Council received a presentation by Simon Hill, Principal Engineer, Devon County Council regarding the North Devon Link Road Improvement Scheme.
He outlined the Options Appraisal process that been undertaken in 2015 to improve links between the M5 and northern Devon, which included options to improve public transport, dualling the carriageway, improving junctions and improving links. Costs and environmental impact were taken into consideration as part of the appraisal process and it was agreed that the scheme submitted to the Department of Transport for funding would focus on the strategic access to northern Devon (South Molton to Barnstaple) and improve key junctions between Barnstaple and Bideford. The benefits of the scheme would: improve journey time between the M5 and northern Devon; improve safety along the route, improve peak hour capacity between Barnstaple and Bideford; improve connectivity to emerging developments; net Environmental Benefit; and new or improved pedestrian facilities at six locations. He outlined details of the £93m scheme and the support received following consultation that had been undertaken with the public, local businesses and landowners. Representatives from North Devon Council sat on the Project Steering Board, had attended value management workshops, sent letters of support, sought contributions from local developers as part of the Section 106 process, and submitted consultation response during the planning and appraisal processes. Following the submission of the Strategic Outline Business Case the Government had awarded £83m towards the £93m scheme. He outlined the proposed timetable for the scheme as follows: Winter 2019 determination of the planning application and completion of the Compulsory Purchase orders; Summer 2020 submission of the full business case to the Government; Autumn 2020 works to commence; and Winter 2024 works to be complete.
A leaflet detailing the North Devon Link Road Improvement Scheme was tabled.
In response to questions, Simon Hill advised that the provision of overtaking lanes allowed a break up of trains of vehicles which built up behind slower mover vehicles. There were currently no overtaking opportunities from South Molton to Barnstaple other than overtaking on the other side of the road. Breaking up the train of vehicles would enable junctions to work well. Average speed cameras would be installed. Phases 2 and 3 of the project would include improvements to the roundabouts at Lake and Portmore. The contractor would be required to keep two lanes operational at all times during the three year contract, however there would be two occasions that there would be night time closures for bridge installation. Improving journey time was irrelevant, the improvement of the network resilience, safety and capacity at roundabouts were important. A strategic review of traffic movements would be linked into the review of the North Devon and Torridge Joint Local Plan.
In response to a question from Councillor Davies in relation to the planting of 20,000 trees and the amount of CO2emissions that could be stored in trees, Simon Hill advised that he would provide a separate response to the question raised.
In response to questions, Councillor Davis (in her capacity as Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste) advised that the funding awarded by the Government could only be used for improvements to roads. There would still be a requirement for the provision of wider roads with the move to the use of electric vehicles as it was unlikely that the level of traffic would reduce. The bid for phase 2 of the project had been submitted to Government. All trees planted were indigenous. The Cedars Inn roundabout did not form part of the strategic road network and was therefore not included within the scheme.
Councillor Worden advised that consideration would be given to the appointment of a Member to the Project Steering Board.
Council thanked Simon Hill for his attendance.