A361 link road; what’s going on?

We are now almost half way through the £63 million upgrade of the A361 between South Molton and Barnstaple, but the biggest question on many local people’s lips is ‘what’s going on’? Molton Monthly interviewed project manager Huw Owen to give you the answers.

We are 14 months into this three year project, will you finish on time and on budget? “It is currently running to programme with completion anticipated in December 2023.” What have been the biggest challenges so far? “Running traffic management along the length of roadworks that maintains the free-flow of traffic as much as possible.” What is happening this summer and when will people see more actual construction? “As the weather improves, we will commence earthworks and drainage operations along the entire length of the site. So far we have completed vegetation clearance and constructed temporary haul routes.” Lots of trees and hedgerows have been removed, what is replacing them? “Before we started, Devon County Council began planting 20,000 indigenous trees and shrubs to mitigate those removed. Overall approximately 0.7 hectares of woodland will be lost, but 2 hectares planted. There will also be a loss of 1298 metres of hedges with approximately 2922 metres of new hedge planted.” Will there be average speed cameras on the finished road, and will it all be resurfaced? “Yes to both.”

The North & South Molton junction from the air - photo courtesy Griffiths Construction

Aerial view of the West Buckland junction showing tree clearance and construction of ramps for the new bridge - photo courtesy Griffiths Construction

Why has such a large area of trees been cleared near the West Buckland junction? “To create space to construct the new bridge and its associated embankment. When open, this bridge will replace the current hazardous road junction at West Buckland.” What’s the best thing for you personally about working on this project? “Being in such a beautiful part of the world, meeting friendly and helpful Devonians, and contributing in some small part in improving the quality of people’s lives.”