ROADS Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman on Tuesday opened the £11-million junction improvement on the A30 at Merrymeet, which promises drivers safer and less congested journeys through West Devon. The re-designed junction has a new bridge to carry local traffic over the A30, and removes the last remaining roundabout on the direct route of motorways and major A-roads between Glasgow and Devon. The former roundabout was a notorious bottleneck for traffic travelling through the county and suffered more serious accidents than the national average for a similar roundabout. Dr Ladyman officially opened the new bridge over the A30 by planting a tree near the roadside and met members of the local community. He said: 'I am delighted to officially open this new bridge which will bring great benefits for local people and the wider population of the South West. It will make the A30 safer and cut traffic congestion, particularly in the busy summer holiday months. 'The improved Merrymeet junction is one of a number of locations on the major road network in Devon and Cornwall where investment is being made to tackle congestion, improve safety and boost economic development. 'Work is about to start on the new A38 bypass at Dobwalls. There is lane widening, lighting and safety work on the M5 near Exeter, the new dual carriageway to remove the bottleneck on the A30 near Bodmin and replacement of Dunheved Bridge on the Devon and Cornwall border.' The new bridge at Merrymeet provides a safer route for local traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists, who need to cross the A30. The new junction connects the A382 to Moretonhampstead and the C50 road to Cheriton Bishop with new sliproads for traffic to and from the A30. Measures such as screening and tree planting were included in the scheme to reduce its impact on the local environment. James McInnes, the county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford said: 'It is something for which we have been working for many years but it's a pity they could not improve the link with the North Tawton road at the same time. 'It is great to have the roundabout gone but we must make sure that people don't just go past Whiddon Down itself.'
