Extra funding has been agreed to enable the long-awaited Charlton Road junction improvement scheme in Crownhill to go ahead.
Work to create a new signalised junction and reinstate the right turn from Tavistock Road into Charlton Road, which was closed during construction of the Derriford Transport Scheme, was originally due to get under way in 2020.
However, it was postponed to avoid putting additional pressure on the road network during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as nearby works on Morlaix Drive.
While initial preparations were carried out (including widening to improve the visibility of the entry and exit from Charlton Road), other complications have come to light since – not least the need to lower a large gas main in the central reservation.
This has been done to create a longer right-turn lane and provide adequate room for vehicles to wait at the new signals (as well as a safe stopping distance).
However, extra funding has now been agreed to kickstart the project and ensure the scheme goes ahead as promised.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
“This will be very welcome news for the residents of Charlton Road, who have been waiting a long time for the turning into their road to be reopened.
“We are really pleased to have been able to agree this extra funding to ensure the works can finally go ahead.
“We are now working with South West Highways on a programme to deliver the scheme and we expect to announce full details, along with proposed traffic management arrangements, early next year.”
Plymouth Labour councillor for Budshead, Kevin Sproston, said he was ‘delighted’ with the news.
“During my recent election campaign I heard time and time again how much residents wanted the turning reinstated.
“For too long they have been spoon fed excuses and misinformation on this matter by the previous administration,” said Cllr Sproston, who was elected in May.
“The residents quite rightly wanted results, answers and action and I am proud to be the councillor delivering this for them.
“This Labour council has kept its promises and has put considerable time, attention and additional funding into delivering this project and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. I now look forward to seeing the implementation and commencement of work.”
Residents of the Charlton Road area have been sent information about the development.
