Crumbling bridge to be replaced in £9m project

Drivers have been warned that work will start in May on a £9m project to replace a bridge, bringing roadworks and temporary traffic controls to a busy daily route.

The Baulk Bridge near Cullompton, in Devon, carries the B3181 over the River Culm just south of the town.

Built in 1924, it no longer meets modern standards and engineers have found steel corrosion and crumbling concrete, said Devon County Council.

A new 98ft (30m) long bridge will be built slightly downstream so the existing crossing can stay open for as long as possible.

The scheme, led by the county council, is due to begin on 11 May. Temporary traffic lights will be used for most of the work, along with a 30mph (48km/h) speed limit on an 3,600ft (1,100m) stretch north of Nags Head railway bridge.

Councillor Dan Thomas said: "It's vital this link is upgraded as it's a busy non-motorway link between Exeter and Cullompton used by around 5,000 vehicles every day. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption."

Two closure periods are scheduled for the B3181 from Exeter Road to Clan Farm – initially during the first few weeks of the scheme for nine days from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May 2026 to establish site access, install traffic management and carry out earthwork.

Towards the later stages of the scheme, the B3181 will be closed for up to 23 days from Saturday 24 July 2027 to Sunday 15 August 2027 to complete construction and surfacing of the road, divert utility services and install lines, signs and safety barriers.

During these closures a signed diversion will be in place via the B3181 Exeter Road, A373 Honiton Road, A375 Exeter Road, A30, A3015, B3212, B3181 and vice versa.

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