Press Release - Work to start in late November 2024 - We’re working with local stakeholders including the MP, councils, Derriford Hospital, Network Rail and GWR, as well as our construction partners to refine our delivery plan for these essential renewals.
The feedback we’ve gathered is helping to shape how we deliver this complex and extensive programme of work, while minimising the impact on the local community and everyone who uses the tunnel.
We’ll be completing our work in phases using a mix of lane and full closures, starting at the end of November with weeknight closures of the tunnel. These will continue until the work is finished.
There will then be speed restrictions and narrow lanes being installed westbound between St Budeaux and the Tamar Bridge from early 2025 to allow work to be carried out in the verges.
In early to mid-2025, the current control system will need to be turned off and removed to allow installation of the new system. This means there will only be one lane open in each direction for A38 traffic through the tunnel, which will be fixed as the traffic can no longer be dynamically controlled.
The Tamar Bridge will retain its four traffic lanes. There will be one lane fixed in each direction for A38 traffic, a lane dedicated for Saltash Town only in the westbound direction and the eastbound cantilever open for local and ‘tag only’ traffic.
Please note: all enquiries should be directed to National Highways, and not to Tamar Bridge which is independently owned and operated by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Councils.
Project information
The tunnel and its 'reversible' lane, which allows traffic to travel in either direction depending on the time of day or conditions, rely on specialised technology to operate and keep drivers safe.
The current tunnel control system is approaching the end of its life. We’re replacing and upgrading the system to keep everyone using the tunnel safe, provide more reliable journeys and reduce the risk of unplanned closures.
Our work includes:
- installing new LED lighting
- modernising the power cables and equipment that were installed when the tunnel was constructed. This includes the cabinets and the ducts and covers to improve access in the future.
- installing new signs to advise drivers of current conditions
- replacing air quality monitors
- upgrading the tunnel ventilation system
- replacing the existing ‘wig-wag’ crossing with automatic barriers and traffic lights that will stop traffic in emergencies, and open the diversion route
For further information please click here.
