Major new Exeter junction promises smoother journeys for commuters

A new road junction on the outskirts of Exeter is set to open next week, bringing changes for commuters and residents who travel through south west Exeter each day.

The new Chudleigh Road link will open to traffic on Monday 19 January, introducing a signal-controlled junction with the A379. 

The scheme cost £11.46 million and was delivered within budget, according to the council, forming part of the £55.1 million awarded to Devon County Council through the Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England following a successful bid.

The scheme replaces the existing Chudleigh Road/A379 junction and completes the move to a new road alignment in the area.

For drivers, the most immediate change will be the permanent closure of the old Chudleigh Road junction to motor vehicles. 

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While the junction is currently blocked with temporary barriers, permanent kerbs and planting will be installed as part of the closure, with that work due to be completed by Friday 20 February 2026. 

Some landscaping and fencing around the site will continue after the road opens.

Devon County Council says the new signal-controlled junction, located to the north east of the former junction, is expected to improve traffic flow, particularly for vehicles turning out of Chudleigh Road. 

The A379 has also been widened as part of the scheme, which the council believes will help manage traffic linked to ongoing housing development in the area.

The project includes around 390 metres of new road and forms part of wider infrastructure works designed to support growth in south west Exeter. 

While the new layout is expected to make journeys more predictable for commuters, the council has said it will closely monitor how the junction operates once it opens and review its performance if issues arise.

Construction of the new Chudleigh Road link began in November 2024 and was carried out by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd. 

The junction is part of the South West Exeter Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) programme, coordinated by Devon County Council and funded by central government. 

The programme is intended to unlock land for around 2,500 new homes, although responsibility for delivering housing sits with Exeter City Council and Teignbridge District Council as housing authorities.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said the opening marked the completion of more than five years of major highway works in south west Exeter. 

He thanked residents and businesses for their patience during construction and said the investment would support future growth in the area.

Road safety has been built into the design, with the scheme already going through a formal road safety audit. 

A further independent audit will be carried out once the road is open, which is standard practice for new highways.

Pedestrian and cyclist provision has also been included as part of the wider infrastructure package in south west Exeter. 

This includes a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A379 and additional pedestrian facilities near the Devon Hotel roundabout, aimed at improving safety and connectivity for people travelling without a car.

Devon County Council confirmed this is the final highway scheme it will deliver in south west Exeter. 

Any further roads required as part of future developments are expected to be delivered by developers rather than the council.