WORK is underway to prepare the site for the development of the Cullompton Relief Road, Devon County Council has confirmed.

The scheme is vital to Cullompton’s future and has been designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality and support the town’s long-term growth.

Although the main construction work of the 1.3km road is due to start this summer, ecological and archaeological work has been timed to go ahead on site now ahead of the bird nesting season and to meet strict ecological requirements.

Specialist ecologists will oversee site clearance to ensure wildlife is safeguarded, and that dormouse habitats are protected and managed.

Good progress has been made on securing the majority of the land needed for the project. As part of the scheme, new public land for the Cullompton Community Association (CCA) is being created and replacement facilities are being provided for sports clubs impacted by the construction of the road.

Work is underway to provide replacement facilities for the football club, the new junior pitches are installed and the grass is establishing, and work to form the new training pitch will start in May.

Some sections of the CCA land will be temporarily affected, as access is needed for both the early works and future construction. This will include new pathways and bridge connections to ensure the community retains safe, high quality access across the area.

Archaeological investigations are being carried out across the site, including areas accessed through CCA land, to preserve local heritage and meet planning requirements.

Councillor Steve Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, at Mid Devon District Council, said: “This is another positive milestone for residents and businesses in Cullompton, where everyone is waiting for shovel work to start on site.

“While the major work on the road begins later this year, preparatory work has been well under way for many months including the completion of the new cricket field in Cullompton, which is part of the wider investment in community facilities associated with the relief road.”

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This new relief road is vital for Cullompton’s future growth. It will help to ease traffic congestion in the town which will benefit the environment and local businesses.

“It’s encouraging that preliminary work has started. This has to be carried out now and teams are working hard to progress towards getting the main scheme underway this summer.”

To minimise disruption for residents, some improvements will be made in the coming months in advance of the major work.

With the roundabout at Station Road / Millennium Way due to be upgraded to eventually provide access to the relief road, traffic flow will be eased with the development of a new layby bus stop opposite the Weary Traveller pub.

This will enable buses to pull-in off of the carriageway when passengers are getting on and off, reducing traffic delays.

At the other end of the route, improvements at the Exeter Road junction will also be delivered early to enhance safety and traffic flow ahead of the main construction phase.

The main scheme contractor is expected to be appointed in the spring. Subject to this appointment, work is due to start in the summer.