ROAD improvements between Tiverton and Abbotsham on the North Devon Link Road were approved by the Department for Transport this month.

An announcement by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed funding of £60 million of Department for Transport (DfT) money for the project, which has been welcomed by Devon County Council.

Sections of the road will be widened to provide better overtaking opportunities and improve journey time reliability, and eight junctions will be upgraded to improve safety.

To boost active travel, facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced, with new segregated pedestrian/cycle crossings of the road at Bishop’s Tawton and at Landkey Junction.

The scheme is expected to boost the local economy, helping North Devon "build back better" and support tourism. It will also accelerate plans for 6,700 new homes in the region.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste, said: “This announcement is fantastic news for local residents and for Devon’s economy.

"The upgrade of this road is the biggest transport investment in north Devon for a generation. It will help unlock the true potential of the local economy in northern Devon, and with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, that is vital at this time.

"We have been working tirelessly on this project for a number of years so it’s great to see that effort rewarded with this Government funding. We will now be looking to get work started as soon as we can.”

Grant Shapps said: “I am delighted to announce this funding to upgrade a vital gateway between Devon and the rest of the country.

"These works will boost connections, cut congestion for drivers and improve people’s quality of life. It is a clear indication of our commitment to levelling up and investing in transport infrastructure.

"Through these works, we’ll improve people’s ability to travel across the south west while providing thousands with greater access to new homes and new jobs.”