'Carnage' as Cornwall road closure diversion near Truro sees 60-vehicle traffic jam

The night-time road closure is now likely to continue into October
-Credit: (Image: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)


A motorist has warned other drivers to plan ahead and find alternative routes after she was caught in "absolute carnage" after being diverted from a busy road which is closed every day for four weeks.

The A390 between Truro and St Austell is closed through Tresillian and into Truro from 7pm to 4am each night while resurfacing work is carried out. The overnight closures began on Sunday, September 8, and were initially expected to end three weeks later, but a sign says the work will now take four weeks.

During the road closure hours drivers are being asked to take a diverted route through the countryside between Probus and St Erme. A driver, who doesn't want to be named, said that a journey which should have taken 45 minutes ended up taking her two hours five nights after the road closure was put in place.

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The woman said: "Basically the road closure is diverting everyone from each end down one long single track road with hardly any passing places. We were stuck on that road for over an hour. There were over 60 cars trying to get past each other, with nowhere to go. It's absolute carnage and this is suppose to happen till the end of September."

She added: "About 20 cars had to reverse down to a junction in the dark to allow people through, but more and more cars were joining the end of the queues as the seconds went by. One girl went and stood at the junction and told people to stop trying to come up.

"I really feel this could have been handled better by the authorities and whoever handles road closures. People need to know to use a different route or plan their journeys differently."

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A diversion sign at the Probus roundabout on the A390
A diversion sign at the Probus roundabout on the A390 -Credit:Lee Trewhela / LDRS

Cornwall Council said it needed to implement the night-time closure to give its teams a safe working zone and protect road users while the work is carried out.

A council spokesperson said: "These vital works are being carried out overnight to minimise disruption, with the official diversion route signposted for drivers. We would ask drivers to plan their journeys accordingly, and appreciate their patience and cooperation while the repairs are carried out. Please register with uk.one.network for email alerts about upcoming roadworks which will affect your area."

The local authority has said it is aware that noise associated with night-time working can be frustrating and cause disruption to residents. However, it said it aims to complete the noisiest operations as early as possible and will try to minimise any impact should the works overrun due to unforeseen circumstances.

There will be marshals on site to support residents and businesses needing local access, but all through traffic will need to follow the diversions in place.

In a post shared on Facebook, The Wheel Inn pub in Tresillian told customers it will remain open during the roadworks. It urged people to make a reservation and to call them if anyone has any problems gaining access.

The post said: "Essential roadworks are currently taking place during the evenings on the road that goes straight past the pub, however, don’t worry - we are OPEN and you can still gain access to us. The road is manned by a marshal, all you have to do is tell them that you are heading to The Wheel Inn and they will let you through."

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