Bridge Road is a key link on the Exeter outer bypass and Strategic Cycle Network and is critical to the transport infrastructure of Exeter. It provides an important link across the River Exe providing access to the City Centre and Sowton and Marsh Barton Industrial Estates.
The scheme provides additional southbound capacity on Bridge Road by widening to two lanes from Countess Wear roundabout to Matford roundabout and providing pedestrian / cycle provision. Starting at the north end, this was achieved by reallocating the highway space on the eastern side approaching Countess Wear Bridge. At Countess Wear Bridge the 2 metre wide footway / cycleway on the west (upstream) and the pavement on the east was removed, providing space to provide a second southbound lane. Footway / cycle provision was provided via a continuous cycleway footway including a 3 metre wide cantilevered extension on the west (upstream) side. The southbound lane alignment was altered on approach to the swing bridge to allow two lanes and minimise safety risks from conflicting traffic flows on the exit of the bridge. Widening continued on the south side until the existing lane split at Matford Roundabout.
The objectives of the scheme are to:-
- Support development growth in the City
- Maximise sustainable travel opportunities on the Ring Road corridor
- Deliver reliable journey times on the Ring Road corridor
Outputs:
The scheme supports the delivery of 985 jobs and 2115 dwellings by 2021.
Growth Deal 1 Funding: £5.3m
Started on site: February 2016
Practical Completion: August 2017
