M5 junction 29 improvements near Exeter to start in May

The junction 29 improvement scheme could be finished by summer 2012

Work on an important road project in east Devon is to start later in May.

Improvements to junction 29 of the M5 near Exeter will provide access to the new town of Cranbrook, the Sky Park Business Zone and a new science park.

Devon County Council has been given £10.4m for the scheme. It is hoped it will be completed by summer 2012.

Business leaders welcomed the news and have said it could bring in £1bn-worth of investment to the area over 50 years.

Work was due to have started at the end of April.

Ian Harrison of Devon County Council said the project was "absolutely crucial".

He said: "This will be the focal point of the growth of the heart of Devon.

"It will mean that people will be able to get jobs created near the new housing that's going to be built."

The Devon and Cornwall Business Council added that the work would benefit much of the south west of England.