CONSTRUCTION on a new link road at Whiddon Down connecting the A382 to the A3124 is due to start this month.

The new link road should be in place by the New Year.

The works are being delivered by RES, the renewable energy developer currently constructing Den Brook Wind Farm between North Tawton and Bow.

Richard Wagstaff, RES construction manager, said: ‘The existing crossroads near the Post Inn at Whiddon Down is well known as a local pinch-point and we assessed this junction in some detail as part of the approved turbine delivery route for our wind farm.

‘Our investigations ultimately determined that we did not need to alter the existing junction significantly to facilitate turbine deliveries, but we learned from local stakeholders that a new link road would really help to improve traffic flow, visibility and road safety. RES therefore undertook to deliver the road improvements as part of its commitment to communities near its wind farms.’

The Whiddon Down Link Road will take around three months to complete. Its construction will include the use of temporary traffic controls as well as a brief closure of the A3124 towards the end of the construction period, to enable the new link road to be connected to the existing road network.

Mr Wagstaff said: ‘Inevitably on a project of this scale there will be times when stopping the traffic is essential to ensure the safety of road users and our workforce.

‘However, the works have been scheduled outside the tourist season and will be implemented with as little disruption to local residents and road users as possible. We’re confident that the long term benefits of the new link road will far outweigh any minor inconvenience caused by its construction.’

RES recently held an information day to enable local residents near Whiddon Down to view the plans for the new link road and ask any questions they might have.

‘They have also written to local haulage and bus companies identified by Drewsteignton Parish Council as regular users of the route to tell them about the road works. Regular updates about progress and planned traffic management will be published online at www.den-brook. co.uk/whiddon-down-link-road/