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Good news for people travelling through Forder Valley

A long-term road closure planned for the Forder Valley Link Road is to be significantly reduced, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the project team and contractors.

The western section of Forder Valley Road (between Novorossiysk Road and Fort Austin Avenue) had been earmarked for closure for 17 months but the uphill side of the road will now be reopened to cars between four and six months earlier than planned.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “I asked the team to leave no stone unturned in finding ways to alleviate some of the disruption during these major works – while keeping the public and the workforce safe. 

“We have to close this section of Forder Valley Road because we are basically rebuilding it, along with a brand new junction, five metres higher. We also need to reroute all the utility channels and cabling that run along it.

“However, I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree with subcontractors a way to reduce the closure on one side by up to six months. This is a massive achievement with such a huge and complex project and I know it will be welcome news to residents and businesses.

“Keeping traffic flowing while this mammoth scheme progresses is a huge challenge but we do listen and, where we can, we do our utmost to minimise the impact.

“We are continually reviewing the traffic arrangements and the construction programme to see if there is any way at all we can reduce the inconvenience, particularly for the residents and businesses nearby – and we will carry on doing this as work progresses.

“When the scheme is finished there will be a brand new road bridge, an entire junction moved and lifted, an amazing new country park and thousands of new trees in the Forder Valley – over 14,000!

“Most importantly for the entire city, there will be a new link between the A38 and Derriford, taking pressure off Manadon Roundabout and the A386 Tavistock Road and improving traffic flow for everyone.”

The closure of Forder Valley Road (West) is still expected to start in the summer but the uphill side will be reopened to cars up to six months earlier than planned. The downhill side will remain closed for the full 17 months.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use this section of the road, although there may be diversions at times.