What Exeter’s 2025 roadworks mean for your daily commute

As we step into 2025, Exeter is facing a series of roadworks and traffic updates that will significantly affect travel around the city. With major projects like the Moorfield Bridge redevelopment in Exmouth, the ongoing work on the Rifford Road cycle route, and the new bus lane on New North Road, it’s important to stay informed and plan your journeys accordingly.

Moorfield Bridge

One of the most anticipated changes this year is the redevelopment of Moorfield Bridge in Exmouth. As part of Exeter’s wider infrastructure improvement project, this upgrade aims to ease congestion and improve road safety.

At present, Moorfield Bridge is partially closed, with significant diversions in place for drivers. The bridge is a key access point between Exmouth and Exeter, so current roadworks are causing delays, particularly along nearby routes like Exeter Road and Pound Lane.

Temporary traffic lights are being used to manage the flow of traffic through the construction zone, and there are lane restrictions in place.

Additionally, some roads surrounding the bridge are also affected by diversions, especially for larger vehicles. These measures are intended to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction workers during this phase. Given the importance of the bridge as a key commuter route, traffic in the area has been notably heavier, especially during peak travel times.

The bridge is expected to be fully upgraded by late summer 2025, though temporary measures - including ongoing speed restrictions, intermittent lane closures, and traffic control signals - will continue throughout the year.

Rifford Road

A significant part of Exeter's push to become a more cycle-friendly city is the construction of the Rifford Road cycle route. The new cycle lane aims to make it safer and more convenient for cyclists to travel through the city, reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting greener transport options.

To accommodate the new cycle lanes and improved signage, sections of Rifford Road are being narrowed, which has led to some traffic congestion and changes to local driving conditions.

During the construction phase, temporary traffic lights will be in operation to manage the flow of traffic and ensure safety as work progresses. Some lane closures and occasional roadworks may also create short-term delays for both drivers and cyclists. Drivers and cyclists alike should expect lane restrictions and the temporary closure of certain sections, especially during peak hours.

These works are set to continue through the first quarter of 2025. While this may cause some inconvenience in the short term, the planned improvements will significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of the route for cyclists.

Once completed, the upgraded cycle lanes will provide a safer and more direct route for those commuting by bike, helping to ease congestion and improve travel times for everyone.

New North Road

In addition to the new cycle routes, Exeter is also focusing on improving public transport, particularly along New North Road. The introduction of a dedicated bus lane is intended to speed up travel for buses, making them a more attractive option for commuters and easing congestion on this busy route.

This bus lane will be operational in the first half of 2025, but like the other projects, temporary disruptions and diversions will occur while the lane is being constructed. The project is part of a wider effort to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and promote sustainable transport options across the city.

A30 Crawley

The ongoing works on the A30 Crawley have led to temporary disruptions, with sections of the road being narrowed to facilitate the construction of new infrastructure, including soil stabilisation and road improvements.

The project, which aims to ensure long-term stability and safety of the road, is currently being managed with two-way temporary traffic lights. These measures are expected to remain in place until the first quarter of 2025, with some diversions along nearby routes due to ongoing construction.

Chudleigh Road and the A379

The Chudleigh Link Road construction project is set to provide essential infrastructure to support residential development in the Southwest Exeter area.

The scheme involves building a new link road between Chudleigh Road and the A379, along with a new signalised junction at the A379, which will be widened to include additional lanes for smoother traffic flow.

The A379 will also be resurfaced, and new road markings and signs will be installed. To manage traffic during construction, there will be intermittent night-time closures of both the A379 and Chudleigh Road, as well as a closure of Ellacott Road.

A speed limit reduction to 30mph will be enforced throughout the area, and fully signed diversions will be in place during road closures. The project, which is scheduled to run until January 2026, will also include replacement planting. Dates for the road closures will be communicated in advance, and adjustments may be made if weather or other site conditions cause delays.

Dinan Way

The installation of a new roundabout and associated works at the junction between Dinan Way and Hulham Road is scheduled to continue until mid-July 2025.

During this time, traffic management will involve intermittent multi-way lights, with overnight road closures for resurfacing planned at the end of July 2025. Anticipated utility works on the A376 are set to start on January 23 and run through early March 2025, with traffic management using two-way lights.

A second roundabout installation and associated works at the junction between the A376 and the Dinan Way extension will begin on May 8 and last until mid-October 2025, also involving intermittent multi-way lights and overnight closures for resurfacing in October 2025.

Construction of a carriageway and footway between Hulham Road and the A376 will take place without affecting traffic flow on either road. Diversion routes for overnight closures will be communicated closer to the time, with working hours set from 7pm to 7am.

Exeter’s transport landscape is undergoing significant changes, and while these upgrades will ultimately improve travel around the city, they do come with temporary inconvenience. Drivers, cyclists, and public transport users will need to plan ahead to avoid potential delays.

2025 promises to be a transformative year for Exeter’s roads and transport options. While it may require some patience from residents and visitors alike, the long-term benefits of these improvements are well worth the temporary disruptions. Stay informed, plan ahead, and let's look forward to a more efficient, safer, and greener Exeter.