Devon roads: Link road update and £19m budget boost set for debate

Millions of pounds of extra funding for Devon’s road network could be approved today as the county’s new administration meets to set its first budget.

The Liberal Democrat-led council, which took control in May 2025, is meeting at 11am to debate a series of proposals including a £15m injection for road resurfacing and £4m for drainage and gully clearance.

The meeting comes as the authority finally addressed long-standing frustrations over traffic restrictions on the North Devon Link Road (NDLR).

For months, motorists have questioned why sections of the A361 remain coned off between the Portmore and Landkey roundabouts despite major upgrade works being largely complete.

Councillor Caroline Leaver, Chair of Devon County Council, confirmed to the Gazette the restrictions are essential for the Westacott housing development.

"Land and speed restrictions are in place to ensure that access to the site can be safely completed," she said.

"This site will provide many much-needed homes for local people and proper access is needed before building work can start."

The proposed budget marks a significant shift in strategy following 16 years of Conservative leadership.

The key highways proposals being debated today include:

• £15m in additional capital funding for resurfacing and patching.

• £4m for drainage, ditching, and vegetation management to prevent flooding.

• £10m set aside over five years to help town and parish councils fund their own local repairs.

• £500,000 to improve "quality assurance" and communication with the public.

Cllr Leaver said the investment was intended to ensure roadworks are "done properly in the first place."

The administration says the budget reflects a mandate for "change" given by residents at the last election.

"This is the first budget that will be set by the Liberal Democrats since they took control," Cllr Leaver added.

"Residents across the county were clear that they wanted change from how the council had been run."

In addition to highways, the council is expected to confirm a major focus on children's safeguarding services.

The meeting is due to begin shortly at County Hall in Exeter.