Full News Report

12th January 2024

Sandplace-Looe road to shut for two months

THE main A387 road from Sandplace to Looe will be closed to all traffic from January 30 until the end of March so that Cornwall Highways can carry out essential drainage and kerbing works.

Looe resident Peter Murnaghan said that the closure, while unfortunate and inconvenient, might be a good time for Cornwall Council to consider implementing speed limit reduction methods “so that, when the improved road re-opens, it can benefit from the more calmed reduction.”

Mr Murnaghan, who lives at Hannafore, added: “After all, the moderation of speed limits is a Cornwall Council priority, noting the reduction to 20-mph in many town centres now being introduced.”

But, although Morval Parish Council supported his concerns, Cornwall Council Highways Manager Will Glassup said that no speed reduction proposed had even been taken forward or funded, and he added: “With the new speed limit criteria’s from the DfT (Department for Transport), I would not expect the section mention from Mr Murnaghan to qualify for any reduction. The works being undertaken on Sandplace are investigation prompted safety works.”

Highways say that the Sandplace Road works will be carried out during the day between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. But the road closure will remain in place outside of those hours and all through traffic will need to follow the diversions in place at all times.

Said a Highways spokesman: “The narrow width of the site means we do not have sufficient space for vehicles to pass the machinery being used. These traffic management arrangements are necessary to protect road users and give our workforce a safe working zone. 

“It also enables us to reduce the overall construction time and mitigate the need for repeated work in this location.”

And he added: “Please be assured our teams will make every effort to minimise disruption and complete the scheme as quickly as possible. We have programmed the works outside of the peak holiday season to minimise disruption to the local community.”

The works will involve raising the existing granite kerbs between the parking bays and installing fencing. Highways drainage work is also planned to re-establish the current drainage points to manage water flows from the carriageway.

Access for residents will be maintained as normal, and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

The bus companies have been made aware of the road closure and will be making alternative arrangements where necessary.