The scheme will support the major development planned for the area and help keep traffic moving freely.
Transport Minister Paul Clark said: "Over the next couple of years the East of Exeter is going to benefit from major changes and it's vital to make access a priority with so many more residents, commuters and businesses expected in the area."
The funding will deliver improvements to the road network including bus
priority measures along sections of the C832 (old A30) and additional bus
lanes on the Clyst Honiton / Inter-Modal Terminal Junction.
The scheme will also include:
- new junction adjacent to Junction 29 of the M5 to replace the
congested slip roads at the A30 Blackhorse Junction
- Right turn provisions both westbound from the A30 to C832 and
eastbound from the A30 to M5 south
- Two additional lanes on the M5 southbound off-slip and realignment; and
- additional lanes on the northbound off-slip.
The development in the East of Exeter includes an extension of the Cranbrook community, with an additional 1,300 homes, the creation of 7,600 jobs with the completion of the Skypark industrial estate and the continuing growth of Exeter Airport.
The decision means that Devon County Council can move forward with detailed planning for the scheme, including obtaining all the necessary statutory procedures. Construction is expected to begin in October 2010, with completion by November 2011.
