The A39 Atlantic Highway and its Impact on Bideford

The A39 Atlantic Highway is a very important road in North Devon, running along the coast and connecting the region with the rest of the country.

Bideford, a town on the River Torridge, sits extremely close to this vital artery, which has contributed greatly to its growth and development over its time.

One particularly important part of the A39 is the Torridge Bridge, a key crossing over the river that has helped improve connectivity in the area. This post will explore the positive impacts that the A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge have had on Bideford, particularly in terms of tourism and access to North Devon as a whole.

Key Takeaways
The A39 Atlantic Highway is a vital road in North Devon, running along the coast and connecting the region with the rest of the country.
The Torridge Bridge is a crucial crossing over the River Torridge that has helped improve connectivity in the Bideford area.
Before the construction of the A39 and Torridge Bridge, Bideford’s isolation limited its growth and development opportunities and reduced tourism and business opportunities.
The A39 and Torridge Bridge improved access and connectivity, providing faster and more efficient travel, better access to emergency services, and more convenient transport options for deliveries and businesses.
Improved access led to an increase in tourism to Bideford and its surrounding areas, resulting in job creation, increased diversification of the local economy, and income growth for existing and new businesses.
The improved access provided by the A39 and Torridge Bridge has made it easier for residents and visitors to travel to popular attractions in North Devon, promoting the entire region as an attractive destination for tourists and creating a more vibrant and interconnected area.

Before the A39

Prior to the construction of the A39 and Torridge Bridge, access to North Devon and Bideford was limited.

Bideford’s isolation was due to a lack of major roads connecting it with other towns and cities. This limited connectivity had several negative effects on the town and its local economy, such as:

• Restricted growth and development opportunities
• Reduced tourism and business opportunities

Improved Access and Connectivity

The development and construction of the A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge aimed to provide better connections between North Devon and the rest of the country.

Improved access and connectivity have had numerous benefits for both Bideford and its surrounding areas such as:

• Faster and more efficient travel for local residents
• Better access to emergency services (into Bideford and beyond)
• More convenient transport options for deliveries and businesses
• Increased tourism

The Torridge Bridge is a 650-metre-long concrete bridge, situated broadly in an east-west direction, built-in 1987 in Bideford Devon over the River Torridge. Wikipedia

Tourism & Economic Growth following the A39 and Torridge Bridge

Since the construction of the A39 and Torridge Bridge, there has been a notable increase in tourism to Bideford and its surrounding areas.

Visitors to the area are now able to access various attractions and businesses more easily, which has in turn led to the development of new tourist destinations and a greater interest in the region as a whole,

This boost in tourism has had a positive impact on Bideford’s local economy, with existing businesses growing and new ventures being attracted to the area.

As a result, there have been multiple positive impacts on employment and income in the region from new job creation in various sectors and increased diversification of the local economy.

Prime examples are the Atlantic Park Way, which now offers residents Asda, Mc Donalds, Screwfix (nearby), Dominos etc… Let alone the number of privately owned cottages and apartments now found in Bideford.

Wider Impacts for North Devon

The improved access provided by the A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge has not only benefited Bideford but has also had wide-reaching effects on North Devon as a whole.

Residents and visitors can now more easily travel to popular attractions such as beaches, national parks, and historic sites, promoting the entire region as an attractive destination for tourists.

This increase in regional tourism benefits other towns and communities within North Devon as well, as it creates a more vibrant and interconnected area.

In Summary

The A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge have had a profoundly positive impact on Bideford and North Devon.

Improved access and connectivity have led to growth, development, and increased tourism in the area, providing numerous economic benefits and opportunities for local residents.

As a local guide to Bideford, it is clear that the continued importance of the A39 and Torridge Bridge will help ensure a prosperous future for the town and its surrounding region.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some commonly asked questions about he A39 highway and Torridge Bridge

• Q: What is the A39 Atlantic Highway?
  A: The A39 Atlantic Highway is an important road in North Devon, running along the coast and connecting the region with the rest of the country.
• Q: What is the Torridge Bridge?
  A: The Torridge Bridge is a key crossing over the River Torridge that has helped improve connectivity in the Bideford area.
• Q: How did access to Bideford change with the A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge?
  A: The A39 Atlantic Highway and Torridge Bridge improved access and connectivity to Bideford and its surrounding areas, providing faster and more efficient travel, better access for emergency services, and more convenient transport options for deliveries and businesses.
• Q: What are some of the positive impacts of the A39 and Torridge Bridge on Bideford’s local economy?
  A: The improved access provided by the A39 and Torridge Bridge has led to an increase in tourism to Bideford and its surrounding areas, resulting in job creation, increased diversification of the local economy, and income growth for existing and new businesses in the area.
• Q: What are some of the positive impacts of the A39 and Torridge Bridge on North Devon?
  A: The improved access provided by the A39 and Torridge Bridge has made it easier for residents and visitors to travel to popular attractions in North Devon, promoting the entire region as an attractive destination for tourists and creating a more vibrant and interconnected area.
• Q: How did access to Bideford before the A39 and Torridge Bridge affect the town and its local economy?
  A: Before the construction of the A39 and Torridge Bridge, access to North Devon and Bideford was limited, which restricted growth and development opportunities, and reduced tourism and business opportunities.