Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

The Project

Why were the improvements needed?

Merrymeet Junction was a roundabout between the A30 dual carriageway and the single carriageways of the A382 and C50 at Whiddon Down, between Exeter and Okehampton in Devon.

The junction had a poor accident record, with a higher percentage of accidents than the national average. The majority of these accidents occurred on the A30 approaches to the junction.

The roundabout was also a source of delay to traffic, particularly at peak times and during the summer holiday period.

The scheme

A number of options were considered and can be viewed on the Public Consultation document found on the Publications page.

The Preferred Route for the junction layout was announced in June 2003 and comprised of a two-level junction that provides unhindered movement for A30 traffic and four new slip roads, which would make trunk road access and egress safer.

This option provided a good 'fit' into the landscape and does not impact on Dartmoor National Park, which borders the A30 to the south. A new bridge over the A30 connects the A382 and C50 roads to the eastbound and westbound slip road of the A30.

Access to Whiddon Down and Okehampton East Service Area has been maintained. To reduce the impact of the scheme on the local environment, new earth screening and tree planting has been included. There is improved safety for pedestrians wishing to cross the A30 and a reduction in the amount of lighting scatter into the night sky thanks to the installation of modern lighting. The scheme was completed and opened to traffic on 21 November 2006.