WORK on the next phase of the £12-million project to reduce delays and improve safety on the A30 at Merrymeet Junction begins this week. Contractors are preparing the site at Whiddon Down to create the foundations for a new bridge over the A30 to link and carry the two local roads ? the A382 to Moretonhampstead and the C50 to Cheriton Bishop ? which currently join the roundabout. The roundabout itself will be removed and new slip roads will connect the local roads with the east and westbound carriageways of the A30. Highways Agency project leader, Andrew Alcorn, said: ?We have planned the work carefully to keep make sure traffic restrictions on the A30 are kept to a minimum during the peak summer holiday period. ?A series of lane closures and contraflows will be needed during spring and autumn 2006, but these will be well publicised in advance. The existing roundabout will be in use until the end of summer 2006.? The junction is the only roundabout on the direct route of motorways and strategic A roads between Glasgow and Cornwall. The junction, on one of the South West?s busiest roads, has a higher accident rate than the national average for this type of junction. The roundabout is particularly busy at peak times and during the summer holiday season. Minister for Roads Dr Stephen Ladyman welcomed the start of work: ?This is a major investment to boost the local economy and provide safer, easier journeys for people travelling through Devon and into Cornwall on the A30. ?When the work is finished, holidaymakers and local businesses alike will see the benefits after the bottleneck has been removed from this busy route.? To reduce the impact of the scheme on the local environment, new earth screening and tree planting has been included. There will be improved safety for pedestrians wishing to cross the A30 and a reduction in the amount of lighting scatter into the night sky thanks to the installation of modern lighting. The scheme is due to be completed in April 2007.
