Plans to reverse controversial road closure

A key road controversially closed to drivers six years ago could be reopened after overwhelming support in a public consultation.

Almost 3,000 people had their say on the future of Dryden Road in Exeter and more than 70% want to see the road reopened to all traffic in both directions with cycle lanes in place.

The road was closed to motorists temporarily in 2020 and permanently in 2022 to try to reduce traffic and create a safer cycling route.

Devon County Council officers support its reopening in both directions but have come up with a new plan which said would create a "low speed environment that prioritises walking, wheeling and cycling whilst retaining access for two way traffic".

Restrictions on the road, near the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, were first put in place in June 2020 and made permanent in June 2022, but, after increasing public pressure, councillors agreed to a review and a public consultation.

Issues around traffic management in Exeter have been hotly contested with a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme scrapped in 2024.

The public consultation offered three options: a bus gate, a one-way street with a contraflow cycle lane or two-way traffic with cycle lanes.

Dryden Road connects Barrack Road to Wonford Street and forms part of the E9 strategic cycle route which connects the Newcourt/Pynes Hill area to the hospital and city centre.

Devon County Council officers said, due to concerns about the safety of cyclists, they had now come up with another option for a "Cycle Street", which they are recommending for approval.

That would have "cycle lanes on both sides of the road with a narrow central carriageway for two-way motor vehicles" so that "cyclist priority along the route is clear and dominates visually while still enabling two-way motorised traffic to use the route".

There would be speed bumps, a 20mph speed limit and a new raised pedestrian crossing.

That option is expected to cost up to £650,000 and funding would need to be found.

The council's report said: "It is recognised that this option differs from those consulted on. However, it seeks to find a compromise between supporting reintroduction of two-way traffic while also creating a suitable environment to maintain a safe, attractive route for active travel at an affordable and deliverable price."

Ian Frankum, who has campaigned for the road to be reopened to motorists, said: "This has never been about pitting cyclists against other road users.

"It is about democracy, meaningful public engagement and listening to the people most affected by these decisions."

A decision on which option to carry forward is due to be made by members of the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee on 13 July.

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