Plymouth A38 improvements and by-pass widening takes huge step forward

Plans for improvements to be made to the A38 in Plymouth have received backing from the government. Outline Business Case stage approval has been awarded to the A374, A386, and A364 Plymouth Improvements scheme, which is being promoted by Plymouth City Council.

The scheme involves improvements to the Major Road Network corridor through Plymouth (A38 /A3064/A386/A374/A379) and its connections to the A38 (on the Strategic Road Network). Key elements of the scheme are:

▪ Targeted junction improvements at A38(T)/A374 Marsh Mills Junction and A3064 Camel’s Head junction to Ferndale Road/Carlton Terrace;

▪ Part-widening of the A3064 St Budeaux by-pass;

▪ Removal of the redundant low rail bridge on A374 Embankment Road (Seagull Bridge);

▪ Flood protection works at Arnold Point;

▪ New and improved pedestrian/cycle infrastructure.

▪ Corridor reconstruction, and renewal works of targeted sections of the MRN.

The council now needs to complete legal and procurement processes before submitting a Full Business Case for approval from the Department. The Department has earmarked a maximum of £42.456 million towards the total estimated scheme cost at OBC stage of £49.949 million.

The Prime Minister’s announcement of Network North included provision for increased funding for most existing Major Road Network and Large Local Major Road schemes. These schemes, subject to successful business case approval, could benefit from an uplift in government contribution of their costs based on the Outline Business Case stage.

The Department for Transport is considering how this will apply to schemes, including the A374, A386, A364 Plymouth Improvements scheme, and officials will issue guidance to local authorities in due course. They will then provide further information to the Council on any uplift that may be applied to the Department’s funding contribution.

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: "Since 2015, I have been hell-bent on improving Plymouth’s transport links. Whether it’s the Forder Valley Link Road; securing the initial funding for the redesign of Plymouth train station; the £36 billion Network North announcement which includes a new Tavistock railway link; the £165 million transformation of the Daw­lish seafront and its railway line, or the £9.5 million grant announced just last week for 50 new electric buses for CityBus, we are witnessing a step change in transport investment for Plymouth.”

“The latest approval of the A374, A386, and A364 projects are further proof of record levels of government investment in Plymouth’s transport, reducing congestion and boosting productivity. I will continue to fight for every last penny to be ringed out of government so that our City can reach its potential.”