Traffic set to return to Dryden Road

The opening of Dryden Road took another step forward today after plans for new cycle lanes, speed humps and a zebra crossing were approved.

Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC) backed the plans (Monday 12 October), following a public consultation earlier this year.

Most people who responded wanted the road reopened while keeping routes for walking and cycling.

Dryden Road links Barrack Road and Wonford Street, near the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Through-traffic was temporarily stopped in 2020, before it was made permanent in 2022.

The approved scheme includes cycle lanes on both sides of the road between Barrack Road and Well Oak Park.

A zebra crossing will be installed near the Mushroom play park, along with a speed hump.

An uphill cycle lane will continue from Well Oak Park to Kipling Drive, where the junction will be raised to slow traffic.

Another speed hump will be added between Kipling Drive and the Bovemoors Lane mini-roundabout. Existing parking spaces will remain.

Near Wonford Street, the raised sections of road will be refurbished. Parking spaces and the mini-roundabout will be retained.

“We know many feel strongly about Dryden Road. These plans balance the need to improve traffic flow with keeping the road safe for people walking and cycling. “Reopening it will provide another route through this part of Exeter. The 20mph limit and other safety measures will help keep speeds down.”

— Cllr Michael Mitchell, Chair of Exeter HATOC,

The scheme will cost an estimated £493,281.

The next step will be to formally advertise the changes, including reopening Dryden Road to motor vehicles, extending the 20mph zone and introducing the new speed humps.

People will be able to comment on the proposals as part of that process. If objections are received, they are expected to be considered by the committee in January.

Once the process has been completed, work could start in April next year.