A CRUCIAL tunnel used by 38,000 drivers a day is set to undergo further disruption, with drivers urged to “plan ahead” to avoid delays.
The road, used by many as a route to summer holiday destinations in Cornwall, has had fixed lanes implemented as new technology is installed as part of a year-long refurbishment.
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The Saltash tunnel in Cornwall has had its usual tidal traffic system switched off and replaced with fixed lanes, in a change expected to impact journey times for travellers.
The works comes as part of a £25 million refurbishment which began in late November 2024 and is set to continue until late 2025.
Drivers have been warned to plan their route and allow extra time for their journeys, especially when going eastbound into Devon.
Tunnel manager Julian Mitchell said the new traffic management system is in place for “safety reasons”.
He said: “We appreciate the tidal flow switch-off will have an impact on people’s journey times, although our current monitoring, including the May bank holidays, suggests only slight delays.
“In the meantime, we advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, especially those from Cornwall into Devon.”
National Highways said that the work was being done to address repeated technology faults with the traffic control system.
The overhaul of this system was due to begin later in the summer, however, these faults have meant that the processes has been started early.
These new fixed lanes are set to be in place for the duration of the tunnel’s refurbishment.
National Highways said: “The tunnel has functioning safety systems and CCTV in place, and daytime traffic is now using two lanes westbound through the tunnel and on the Tamar Bridge and one eastbound lane through the tunnel and over the bridge with the cantilever link for local traffic and Tamar Tag holders.”
“As an additional safety measure, traffic signals have been installed at Tamar Bridge, the eastbound approach to the tunnel and the tunnel entrances.
“These lights are not in day-to-day use but will enable National Highways to close lanes in the event of a breakdown or incident.”
It said during the overnight tunnel closures, traffic would continue to follow the standard B3271 and North Road diversion routes.
