A MAJOR improvement at Merrymeet Roundabout on the A30 at Whiddon Down will reduce journey times and congestion and improve safety said Transport Minister David Jamieson, as he unveiled the preferred junction layout for the scheme.

The preferred junction layout for the accident blackspot was last week given approval by Minister of State (Transport) John Spellar.

The improvement would involve constructing a compact two-level junction to provide unhindered movement for through traffic on the A30, and four new slip roads to provide access to the trunk road.

A new overbridge would connect the side roads. Access to Whiddon Down and Okehampton East Service Area would be maintained.

Mr Jamieson said: ?Replacing the existing roundabout with a two-level junction will provide more reliable journey times, reduce congestion and improve safety.

?As well as benefitting regular users of the A30, the improvements will be especially notable during the spring and summer when this route is heavily used by holiday traffic.

?The next key stage is for the Highways Agency to appoint a contractor to complete design work and build the improved junction.? Mr Jamieson said the Agency expected to appoint a contractor in the autumn.

More than 190 people attended a public consultation exhibition held in Whiddon Down in January. Of those who responded to a questionnaire on the scheme, 83 per cent were in favour of the proposed junction improvement.

Merrymeet Roundabout is the only roundabout on the dual carriageway A30 between Exeter and Okehampton and the first roundabout that motorway drivers encounter if driving to the South West from London.

The £5-million pound scheme was one of 92 schemes across the country and only one of six in the South West to benefit from a £145-million Government package announced last autumn.

The rolling programme of work to be carried out on England?s trunk road and motorways by the Highways Agency schedules the Merrymeet scheme for 2005/2006.