Removing a redundant rail bridge and improving major junctions and roundabouts are among the ambitious proposals being put forward to improve the flow of traffic on some of Plymouth’s key roads.
As part of its Major Road Network (MRN) programme, Plymouth City Council is proposing a number of schemes to improve journeys on the route through the city that runs from the A38 Marsh Mills Roundabout to the A38 Weston Mill junction via the Embankment, Cattedown, city centre and Camels Head.
In a consultation launched in February, the council wants to hear the views of commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, disabled users and bus passengers on this route, as well as people who live on or near it.
The programme is currently at a very early stage of the development. No decisions with regard to design have yet been taken and people’s views will be important in helping shape the final plans.
The planned works – if they get the go-ahead and funding from the Department for Transport – would mean an almost £50m investment in Plymouth’s transport infrastructure with the aim of reducing congestion and accidents, helping people travel more by bus, cycle and by foot, as well as supporting economic growth and housing. The population of the city is expected to grow to more than 300,000 by 2034 with an expected 19,000 new homes and 16,000 new jobs.
The proposed programme will include targeted junction improvements at traffic hotspots including:
- A38/A374 Marsh Mills roundabout
- A374/A379 Cattedown Roundabout
- A38/A3064 Weston Mill junction to Camels Head
Other improvements outlined in the plan are:
- New and improved pedestrian/cycle infrastructure including safer crossing points
- Widening part of the A3064 St Budeaux Bypass
- Removing the low rail bridge (Seagull Bridge) on Embankment Road to improve access for HGVs
- Flood protection works at Arnold Point on the Embankment, to significantly reduce the risk of flooding affecting both Embankment Road and the nearby mainline rail route
- Carriageway reconstruction works
Further information on the council’s plans and how to respond to the consultation can be found at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/mrn
Councillor Mark Coker, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Strategic Infrastructure said:
“These are well known local hot spots where congestion is only likely to get worse as the city grows.
“This project could give us the chance to keep these economically important roads resilient, reliable and effective in the future and support both the local and national economy.
“We have all got caught in jams at some point and we believe these interventions will not only keep the traffic flowing, they will make our roads safer for everyone including cyclists and pedestrians, and no doubt help reduce people’s blood pressure.
“These are still early plans and we have identified these sites as areas where we believe changes could really make a difference – but we are keen to get residents and businesses’ input on the plans and would urge people to respond to the consultation with their views.”
The Department for Transport recently designated the A38 Marsh Mills to A38 Weston Mill route as part of its national Major Road Network (MRN), thereby recognising the strategic importance of this route to the country’s economy.
The Government wants to encourage improvements nationally that aim to reduce congestion and the economic impact of traffic delays. The Government’s programme also aims to:
- Support economic growth and rebalance the economy by providing better connections between people and businesses, and markets and international gateways
- Support housing delivery – unlocking new housing developments and providing a transport network that allows for future development
- Support all road users – recognising the needs of, and delivering benefits for, all road users
Should all parts of the scheme go ahead, the cost would be in the region of £48 million, with the Government funding around £40m, with the rest met by the council and developer contributions. The work would be carried out in phases over a period of three years, beginning as early as 2023.
