First phase of Deep Lane Junction upgrade gets green light

The first phase of an estimated £3.1milion upgrade of Deep Lane North Junction has been approved by Devon County Council’s cabinet.

The work, which is expected to begin in June 2016 to be completed by March 2017, is the first phase of a two-part project to improve traffic flow.

Three Highways authorities, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Highways England and planning authority South Hams District Council have worked together to deliver the scheme.

The upgrade is a required condition for the Sherford New Community planning decision.

The primary access to the community will be via the Deep Lane junction from the A38.

Planning permission for the new community, which will provide 5,500 new homes and 83,000 square metres of employment land, has been granted and work to deliver the first tranche of new homes has begun.

In addition the extra capacity granted by the upgraded junction will accommodate traffic at Langage Energy Park.

The park has been identified as a strategic employment site, which will create more jobs for the area.

Phase one of the upgrade will see the junction upgraded to manage the increased traffic expected at Deep Lane, particularly at on the Ridgeway Roundabout and at Deep Lane Junction.

The improvements include the following (from north of the junction):

•    Upgrade of Ridgeway Roundabout to a signalised junction and the existing carriageway widened
•    Existing signalised junction at Deep Lane North to be increased in size. (Plymouth City Council)
•    Carriageway widening to the existing left turn lane for eastbound on slip traffic at Deep lane Junction.
•    Traffic signals optimised and linked to manage traffic flow better.
•    Crossing points added to existing pedestrian/cycle routes

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Upgrading the junction is vital for the growth in jobs and housing expected in the area.

“New housing and employment development will put additional pressure on Deep Lane Junction.

Councillor John Hart, local Devon County Councillor for Bickleigh and Wembury, said: “With 5,500 new homes planned without the upgrade the pressures on this junction will result in more queuing and longer journey times.

“I welcome this project, it is good news for people who live and work in the area.

“The upgrade of the junction is critical not only to deliver new housing at Sherford but for also for the expansion of Langage Business Park, which will create jobs.

“It will help unlock the full potential of housing and employment planned at this strategic site.”

Councillor Richard Hosking, local Devon County Councillor for Yealmpton said: “The junction improvements are an integral part of this significant South Hams development.

“I understand that a traffic study is proposed for the whole of the A38 corridor through our district, and will be very happy if further improvements are made to junctions at Wrangaton and the East of Ivybridge.”