£11m improvements to M5 junction 29 opened

Date: 9/1/2013

Transport Secretary Norman Baker has opened an important new road scheme, which was carried out near Exeter.

£11 million was spent on improvements to junction 29 of the M5 in a bid to ease traffic flow to major destinations in the area.

New slip roads were constructed for access to the A30 and Exeter's new science park, as well as the Skypark business development and the town of Cranbook.

Flybe's training academy and a new terminal at Exeter Airport will also be served by the new road infrastructure.

The project has seen Devon County Council working in partnership with Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council and the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point Team.

Will Mumford, Chairman of the Growth Point Board and Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning, praised the work.

He said: "The completion of these works opens up access to the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point and is one of the many projects being delivered as a result of the public and private sector Growth Point Partnership."

It is hoped that the improvements will help to generate growth in the area and allow the science and business parks to reach their potential.

Mr Mumford said: "It forms part of the transport package for the Growth Point that will ensure that the transport system supports strategic development, which will drive economic growth and prosperity in Devon."

Work to upgrade the junction started in May 2011 and since then the Redhayes Bridge, which crosses the motorway nearby, has won a British Construction Industry Award.

Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, added: "I am delighted to see this junction fully open. From day one this scheme has been a critical ingredient in the development of the west end of East Devon."

Meanwhile, engineering firm WSP has highlighted the importance of good transport infrastructure, stating that for every £1 that is invested in motorways the economy will see a £3 return.

Posted by Mary Treen

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