Public consultation launched on plans to replace Exeter’s ageing Bridge Road crossings

Residents and businesses are being invited to help shape plans for a major transport upgrade in Exeter that would see two ageing River Exe bridges replaced with modern crossings designed to serve the city for decades to come.

Devon County Council is launching a six-week public consultation on proposals for the A379 Bridge Road corridor, with feedback sought on a package of improvements aimed at increasing reliability, improving safety and enhancing sustainable travel connections.

Bridge Road is one of Exeter’s most important transport routes, providing one of only four crossings over the River Exe and acting as an official diversion route when incidents affect the nearby M5 motorway.

However, the existing bridges are reaching the end of their operational lives. The swing bridge is approximately 90 years old, while the lifting bridge has been in service for more than 50 years. Since 2020, the structures have required over 100 maintenance interventions, leading to disruption for motorists, public transport users, cyclists, pedestrians and river traffic.

Under the proposed scheme, both bridges would be replaced with modern structures capable of opening more quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce delays while improving long-term reliability.

The project also includes a range of wider transport and public realm improvements. These include wider shared-use paths across the bridges, upgraded pedestrian crossings, a new active travel route around Matford Roundabout, and additional bus infrastructure including a new stop and shelter near King George V Playing Fields.

Two traffic lanes in each direction would be retained, while the scheme aims to create safer and more attractive routes for people travelling on foot, by bicycle, wheelchair or public transport.

Construction is not currently expected to begin before spring 2029 and remains subject to approval from the Department for Transport. Feedback gathered during the consultation will help inform the final design before a business case is submitted later this year.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said:

“Bridge Road is a key route for Exeter and beyond, but the current bridges are ageing and becoming less reliable. We want to hear from the people who use it so we can shape a scheme that improves safety and helps keep traffic moving.”

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member responsible for Transport, highlighted the opportunity to improve sustainable travel links alongside the bridge replacements.

“This consultation also presents an opportunity for people to share their ideas for improving access to bus services, and improving walking, cycling and wheeling links to the Exe Estuary Trail and the neighbouring communities served by Bridge Road.”

The consultation opens on 15 June and runs until 27 July, giving residents the opportunity to influence one of Exeter’s most significant transport infrastructure projects planned for the coming decade.