PROPOSALS to submit a funding bid to government for the first phase of improvements to the North Devon Link Road have been given the go ahead by Devon County Council.

Devon County Council will be bidding for a share of a £300-million funding pot available nationally.

A recent public consultation on the proposed improvements showed that 83% agreed that the North Devon Link Road needed upgrading.

The decision made by the county council’s cabinet means an outline business case for £88-million of improvements will be submitted to the department for transport by the end of the year for local major funding. Councillors have also supported a long-term strategy to upgrade the road.

The scheme, which will form Devon’s local major fund bid, will see the Link Road from South Molton to Barnstaple widened to provide more overtaking opportunities, and junction improvements. Safety upgrades will also be carried out from South Molton to Bideford.

Around 70% of the stretch from South Molton to Barnstaple would feature overtaking lanes, increasing on the current level of 10%. The road would continue to have a 60mph speed limit it has been recommended that average speed cameras be installed to improve safety.

The long-term strategy will include upgrades to eight junctions along the A361 and A39. Additional overtaking lanes on sections of the Link Road and an urban four lane road, with two lanes in each direction, between the Portmore and Roundswell roundabouts.

To improve safety all uncontrolled right turns would be removed and pedestrian facilities improved for over 35km between Bish Mill junction, east of South Molton and Buckleigh road Junction near Bideford.

If the department for transport approves the outline business case a planning application will be submitted by the end of 2018. A full business case would then be submitted in 2020, which would potentially allow construction to start in late 2020.