28th November 2024
A38 Saltash project delayed for Christmas period
WORK to upgrade the A38 Saltash Tunnel has been delayed until next year.
National Highways, which was due to start an extensive programme of technology updates this week, now says that the roadworks will be re-scheduled.
As part of what was termed a ‘generational’ refurbishment, the 36-year-old tunnel will have a new electrical system with LED lighting, fans and electronic signage. The upgrade represents a £25-million investment from the Highways Agency to improve journeys and maintain the safe operation of the tunnel for the future.
Some preparatory works have already been undertaken with old cabling stripped out and new fibre optics installed under the Tamar Bridge.
However, National Highways now says that it will not be starting the full scheme at this time.
Said a spokesman: “As with any complex scheme, dates are subject to change while commercial and programming decisions are finalised.
“While this means we won’t be starting this phase as soon as we’d hoped, we will still be moving forward with the preparatory works.”
The Saltash Tunnel is the responsibility of National Highways (and, therefore, not financed by the crossing tolls), while the Tamar Bridge (and the Torpoint Ferry crossing) are administrated by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee (a mixture of both Cornwall and Plymouth City councillors).
The Highways spokesman added: “The tunnel and its ‘reversible’ lane rely on specialised technology to operate and keep drivers safe and the current control system is approaching the end of its life.
“We’re carrying out an extensive programme of work to replace and upgrade the system to keep everyone using the tunnel safe; provide more reliable journeys and reduce the risk of unplanned closures.
“The preparatory works should also help to prevent future delays with the scheme as possible, unforeseen issues will have been identified and resolved during these works.
“Most of these preparatory works can be completed with the tunnel open for traffic. However, we will need carry out some of the works under night-time tunnel closures. We will provide advance notice of these closures when dates are confirmed.
“We understand closures are frustrating, but these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”
It is now likely that the full refurbishment scheme will start early in the New Year and last until the autumn. The tunnel will be closed in both directions on week-nights with traffic using local diversion routes.
“We’re also moving some of the equipment outside of the tunnel to provide easier access for future maintenance and repairs,” said the spokesman.
“This will reduce the need for closures that impact on journeys and the local community.“
“We’re installing new signs to advise drivers of current conditions to help with journey planning. – and if we do need to close the tunnel in an emergency, new traffic lights and automatic barriers will help keep everyone safe and get drivers diverted quickly.”