Skip to content

Consultation:

Deep Lane Junction A38 ​Cycle & Pedestrian Bridge

Update

The results of this consultation can be seen in the consultation report.


Background

The A38 segregates the communities of Plympton and Chaddlewood and Langage industrial estate from Sherford, Elburton and Plymstock. The A38 crossing that links these locations, at Deep Lane Junction, does not provide a modern segregated route for cyclists or pedestrians.

The Deep Lane bridge is busy with vehicles and it is not thought possible to make necessary improvements to provide a pleasant experience for cyclist or pedestrians. Hence, options to provide a new bridge over the A38 for sole use by non-motorised users are being looked at.

Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and Devon County Council are looking at infrastructure at this location as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freezone (freeport) proposal.

The Freezone project looks to enable development of employment sites at Langage and Sherford. Linking the communities and employment sites with a bridge for sole use by non-motorised users over the A38 will enable people to live and work on either side of the A38 and be able to get to work sustainably. It will also help the wider network for cyclists looking to move around this area.

Before progressing any scheme, we are keen to hear the opinion of local residents, businesses and other stakeholders on where the future bridge might be located.

Options

The consultation leaflet contains details of the 3 options identified to potentially locate the new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A38 at Deep Lane Junction. We would like to hear which option you like best, and any other thoughts you might have on this project, using our online form.

The plan within the leaflet illustrates potential routing for:

OPTION A ROUTE

DESCRIPTION: New bridge located over the west end of A38 eastbound off slip. Route length approximately 660m

POSITIVES:

  • Route does not need crossing points associated with Deep Lane slip roads
  • Bridge span would be approximately 40m

NEGATIVES:

  • Challenge in establishing route to north associated with 15m height difference between Wolverwood Lane and level of A38
  • Disruption and removal of established vegetation on both sides of the A38, with potential impact on screening
  • Potential to feel isolated in sections of route
  • There would be the need to acquire land

OPTION B ROUTE

DESCRIPTION: New bridge parallel to existing overbridge. Route length approximately 550m

POSITIVES:

  • Shortest route and follows desire line, potential to be perceived most functional route for commuter users. North of Deep Lane connects well with existing paths
  • Natural surveillance for the majority of route ensuring users feel safer
  • Land owned by National Highways

NEGATIVES:

  • Need to cross the A38 westbound on and off slips. This would require a signalised crossing, created by adding a phase to the existing signalised junction
  • Disruption and removal of established vegetation on both sides of the A38
  • Limited space beside curving Deep Lane bridge to locate the straight bridge, with large bridge span required

OPTION C ROUTE

DESCRIPTION: New bridge east of Deep Lane junction. Route length approximately 1000m (1450m to connect to Sandy Road)

POSITIVES:

  • Good potential for connection into Langage in future
  • Route does not need crossing points associated with Deep Lane slip roads
  • Bridge span would be approximately 40m

NEGATIVES:

  • Not an existing route desire line, longest route and ‘switch backs’ required to cater for change in levels
  • Potential to feel isolated in sections of route
  • Construction close to overhead electrical lines
  • There would be a need to acquire land

FAQs

What type of bridge is being proposed?

The most likely construction will be a steel Warren truss bridge. This is the most economical solution for the span length and allows prefabrication off site with one or two road closures of the A38 for it to be lifted into place, thus limiting the disruption to the A38.

Could the existing Deep Lane bridge be used by pedestrians and cyclists?

We are not aware of any proposal by National Highways to upgrade Deep Lane Junction bridge. If cyclist and pedestrians were to use the existing bridge alterations are required. There is limited space on the bridge to establish a designated space for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, the parapets (safety barriers) are currently too low so would need to be heightened. We acknowledge that if Option 2 was to be pursued, we need to ensure there is no conflict with any addition/alteration or replacement of the existing Deep Lane bridge.

How do the options link into the existing cycle network?

As shown on the main plan on the consultation leaflet it is intended that a cycle and pedestrian route will be provided from the south alongside Sherford’s main street. To the north of the A38 pedestrian and cyclists connect into off road provision along Sandy Road, and the quiet road that heads east towards Lyneham Inn, which form part of National Cycle Network Route 2.

What are the next steps for the project? Is there funding?

The project team will review responses to appreciate opinion on the options. This will be considered alongside other factors affecting the delivery of the scheme. We do not currently have funding for the project, but the scheme is being considered as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freezone (freeport) project which may enable funding.

Accessibility

We take accessibility seriously and recognise that some of the information presented in the files available on this page may not be fully accessible to someone using assistive technology such as a screen reader. If you need guidance or an alternative format, email Urban.FringeTeam@swdevon.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use.

Have your say

Please read the consultation leaflet and have your say on the options using our short online form. If you wish to access plans while completing the form, we recommend opening the online form in a new window or tab. If you require a paper form, please get in touch using the contact details below.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, no physical consultation events will be held. If you have any questions, please contact Urban.FringeTeam@swdevon.gov.uk or phone 0345 155 1004.

 

Consultation method:
Contact information: Email: urban.fringeteam@swdevon.gov.uk
Phone: 0345 155 1004
From
13/12/2021
Until
23/01/2022

Top