Work agreed to tackle queues at business park junction

An Exmouth road junction that is a 'source of frustration' for motorists is to be improved.

The single lane exit to the Liverton Business Park will be made into two lanes, to tackle the queuing and delays that have been plaguing visitors to the site.

The park, on the eastern edge of Exmouth, is the location for major retail outlets including Home Bargains, a McDonald's drive-through, industrial units and a fire and ambulance station.

The problems with the single-lane exit were discussed by the East Devon Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) on Monday, February 8, and councillors unanimously supported the proposal to create an extra lane leading on to Salterton Road.

The meeting heard that the site is very well used throughout the day with approximately 800 vehicles entering and exiting in an average hour, but the present single lane arrangement has led to queuing and delays for business park traders and customers.

Queue surveys have demonstrated that during peak times, there have been tailbacks of about 300m.

Concerns expressed by the emergency services

Jamie Hulland, transportation strategy and road safety manager, said: "This can cause delays to vehicles and is a source of frustration for customers of the park and traders seeking to conduct their daily business.

"The blue light services, although closest to the access junction, have also expressed concerns about the delays caused by the current junction arrangement and issues with cars parked in the yellow box.

"This minor widening scheme will extend the two-lane approach and extend the stacking to enable more traffic to turn left to reduce queues, allowing more traffic out, and will reduce the emissions associated with that.

"This arrangement will enable a greater number of left-turning vehicles, which account for approximately one in four vehicles throughout the day, to clear the junction more quickly and reduce the overall queueing and delay.

"This proposal represents a proportional and cost-effective solution to improve traffic conditions when exiting Liverton Business Park."

Cllr Richard Scott said that the work would future-proof the site and put the infrastructure in place to allow for future development, while Cllr Stuart Hughes, chairman of the HATOC, said it was much needed.

Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the proposed junction improvements for construction at an estimated cost of £200,000.