A38 night closures as drivers warned to prepare

National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys as the first phase of work starts on modernising the A38 Saltash Tunnel.

From Monday (January 13), the eastbound carriageway of the tunnel will be closed on weeknights, from 8pm to 6am, to enable work in and around the tunnel.

The westbound carriageway through the tunnel will operate as normal, with eastbound traffic following a diversion route from Carkeel roundabout, along the B3271 and North Road.

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The 37-year-old structure is undergoing a generational refurbishment scheme this year and the first phase of the Tunnel and Traffic Control System upgrade – including electrical distribution, new LED lighting, fans and electronic signage – will involve piling and excavation work before cabling and lighting installations through the spring.

National Highways Tunnel Manager Julian Mitchell said: “We appreciate road closures can be frustrating but it’s difficult to work safely within the structure without closing it overnight.

“The tunnel forms a key route between Plymouth and south east Cornwall, it’s a massive investment for the South West, and the work is being carefully planned with our Tamar Bridge partners and other stakeholders.

“We’re keeping all closures to an absolute minimum, we thank all drivers and residents in advance for their co-operation and patience and advise people to plan their journeys and allow a little extra time.”

The £25 million upgrade is being carried out in two phases, and from February 25 the tunnel will be subject to full overnight closures on weeknights only (8pm to 6am).

The second phase – involving the changeover of technology systems and the installation and connection of new gantries and signage – will start in the summer and timescales and traffic management details will be communicated well in advance.

For further details on the scheme, and other projects in the South West, people can find out information here.

During the current work, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website here.