Early opening announced for South Devon Link Road
Devon County Council and Torbay Council have announced that the South Devon Link Road, the largest highways project in the south west, is ahead of schedule and will be open for traffic in the autumn, ahead of the original December 2015 predicted date.
Galliford Try - the contractors responsible for constructing the road – have made such good progress on the road that it will be open to traffic earlier than expected.
John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council and Gordon Oliver, Torbay Mayor made the announcement today (25th July) at the South Devon Link Road Community Open Day event as part of a speech, thanking the community for their support.
During the speech it was emphasised that although the road will be opened early to traffic, a final date has not yet been confirmed, as significant elements of the project still need to be completed.
It was also explained that although the road will be open to traffic in the autumn, the project will not be fully complete: some activities will still need finishing, such as landscaping.
Construction began on the 5.5km dual carriageway - now officially named the South Devon Highway - in autumn 2012 after being granted full approval by government in May of the same year.
John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council said: “We are pleased to announce that the South Devon Link Road project is ahead of schedule and will be open to traffic in autumn 2015.
“This is brilliant news and will be welcomed by road users and residents throughout the area – the new road is set to provide a significant boost to the South Devon economy and this early opening date is a positive step for us all.”
Torbay Mayor, Gordon Oliver said: “Despite being hampered by severe weather conditions at times, work on this complex £110million project has continued ahead of schedule.
“The early opening date is good news – we are looking forward to the wealth of benefits the road will bring to residents and road users.
“We’d like to thank all road users for their continued patience during the final stages of construction. We’re nearly there!”
Chris Hastings, Project Director at Galliford Try, said: “The Galliford Try and SIAC teams have worked tirelessly over the last three years to deliver this complex project ahead of schedule despite the numerous obstacles we have had to overcome; an achievement of which we are all proud.
“There is still much to do and the project remains a construction site however we are confident of opening the road in the autumn, on a date to be announced, as we progress the final activities.”
About the South Devon Link Road
The South Devon Link Road is a 5.5km dual carriageway, which will provide the long awaited bypass for Kingskerswell. The road will provide a direct traffic link between Torbay and the major road networks. Currently under construction, the major new road is scheduled to be complete by autumn 2015. The project was granted full approval by the government in May 2012 and work began in the autumn of the same year.
The improved access to Torbay and South Devon is expected to bring lasting economic benefits, leading to the creation of nearly 8,000 jobs in South Devon, with around 3,500 of these in Torbay. It is predicted that the new road will remove 95% of traffic away from Kingskerswell, restoring and revitalising the village.
The project is costing £110m. The Department for Transport has paid £76.39m towards the project. The balance is being shared equally between Torbay Council and Devon County Council, with Teignbridge District Council making a £500k contribution.
Further information relating to the South Devon Link Road can be found on the website www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk where you can also register to receive an electronic monthly bulletin designed to keep residents and motorists informed.
Notes to Editors:
For more information, contact Liz Waugh at Coast Communications on 07966 388921 / main office 01752 847135.
Tags: