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PlymouthLive readers are not happy to hear that a £156m revamp of Manadon Interchange is set to cause years of disruption, even though Plymouth City Council says it’s a necessary evil.
The council warns that by 2040, daily queues are predicted to spill onto the A38, leading to the potential for accidents if no action is taken. However, the council acknowledges that the proposed work “will bring disruption” and “a small number of properties may be impacted” as slip roads from the A38 are widened and new lanes installed on the A386 Tavistock Road.
The Tory opposition group has voiced concerns that the scheme could lead to “years of disruption”, labelling it unnecessary and a “waste of money”.
A public consultation is open until 24 June, with a planning application expected to be submitted next year. If approved, work would commence in 2028, with one councillor suggesting the project could take three to four years.
The scheme carries a hefty price tag of £156m, with £133m funded by the Government and the remainder sourced from “other transport grant funding, developer contributions and the council’s own investment”. The Labour-led council emphasised that the current layout was designed for much lower traffic volumes and cannot handle future demand.
Cllr John Stephens, cabinet member for transport, stated: “The data is clear. Doing nothing, sitting on our hands, is simply not a viable option.”
However, Conservative Cllr Lee Finn labelled the scheme a “waste of money” that will “create chaos”, arguing it is unnecessary. He further criticised the council’s handling of previous projects such as the Armada Way fiasco, cost overruns at the Park crematorium and the New George Street and Old Town Street redevelopments, claiming the public has “no confidence in Plymouth City Council’s ability to run capital projects.”
The council replied by emphasising that Manadon is a crucial hub in Plymouth’s transport network, playing an important role in journeys to and from the city’s busiest areas.
You can view the plans for improvements at Manadon and fill in the online survey at https://keepmanadonmoving.commonplace.is
Commenter HarriGarr says: “This is much like the massive new flyover at Forder Valley. It cost millions, ripped through animals’ natural habitat and a housing estate, but so worth it for the 2 or 3 cars I’ve seen use it!”
Jannerspanner agrees: “I assure you, it will be all designed solely to benefit cyclists, oh and pedestrians, of which there are none.”
Turnipman2 thinks: “The law of induced demand will soon consume any benefit that may materialise. If the works run to normal Plymouth standards there will be disruption due to construction for years. I wonder how many buses can be implemented across the city for the same money. Get people out of their cars, if possible, not everyone can avoid a car but give people a real and effective choice of alternatives.”
Bradley Bryant agrees: “Maybe the money would be better spent reducing traffic not trying to accommodate it? Better park and rides, cycle lanes? We need a workable tram system other cities have them as did Plymouth pre war.”
Dal Mcg adds: “Free bus travel and usable cycle tracks plus more walking is the only answer to congestion.”
Fiona Crook asks: “So PCC and central government want less traffic on the roads? But, bus fares have risen sharply and PCC tore down all the bus shelters at a huge cost and they haven’t replaced them yet. I don’t think the PCC can be trusted with a project like this.”
Kevin Manktelow agrees: “Every ‘traffic improvement’ PCC has ever done leaves me wondering if the people organising them have ever actually read the Highway Code – let alone passed a driving test. Lane layout’s wrong, poorly positioned crossing around blind corners/every exit and entrance to roundabouts, complete mess of traffic light timings. PCC’s motto seems to be ‘Let’s frustrate as many drivers as possible so they give up driving and have to use the over-priced and unreliable public transport system’.”
FrankLeeBryan questions: “If Manadon roundabout is the problem why are there always massive queues on the flyover above it during rush hour? The roundabout itself isn’t the issue, the flow along Tavistock Road and Outland Road is what causes the snarl-up on the roundabout. This plan is just tinkering at the edges and won’t help one jot I expect.”
Dani Nicole New replies: “The reason it’s a waste of money, is that they are planning to spend it on an area that isn’t the problem. Sort the Outlands Road junctions and Tavistock Road. These areas are what cause the problems and backlog. Not the Manadon roundabout.”
Chris Radmore wonders: “Where’s all this traffic coming from? I thought the platinum parkway extension was supposed to elevate this? Instead of spending 150+ million on creating parking space for vehicles to sit and queue, would it not be in Plymouth’s favour to get the Plymouth to Tavistock line extension reopened ASAP? This would alleviate traffic coming into Plymouth as well as going out. Once this is up and running you could re-evaluate the situation.”
Do you think the Manadon Interchange scheme is a waste of money? Have your say in our comments section.
