Thanks to an investment of £15.7m from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, works can now begin on the Dinan Way extension and the Exmouth Gateway transport hub in East Devon.
Planning permission for the improvements to the Dinan Way link road was given by the East Devon District Council (EDDC) back in 2017.
The works are intended to help reduce congestion and remove traffic from the town centre, while also opening up transport links to the northern area of Exmouth.
After works are completed, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will no longer need to travel through the town centre, which will improve congestion, noise and air pollution levels.
Nick Hookway, councillor and EDDC’s portfolio holder tourism, sport, leisure and culture, said: “EDDC is delighted with the news that £15.7m has been awarded to Devon County Council as part of latest round of the government’s levelling up agenda.
“The Dinan Way extension has been much anticipated, and we expect will bring many benefits to residents and businesses.
“This investment will go hand-in-hand with our new placemaking initiatives that EDDC has recently started to implement.
“These projects will have a significant impact in making Exmouth more attractive not only for residents but also for visitors and this will bring additional business to the town with subsequent economic benefits.”
To complement this, the Destination Exmouth project will offer improved infrastructure for those entering the town by road, rail or cycle, and is intended to make the area more attractive, welcoming and user-friendly. Some measures to improve accessibility include improved signage to the town centre and seafront.
