Saltash Tunnel upgrade prompts travel advice for West Devon drivers

Drivers travelling between West Devon and Cornwall are being advised to plan journeys carefully due to ongoing works at the Saltash Tunnel on the A38.

The 37-year-old tunnel, a vital link between Devon and Cornwall, is undergoing a £25 million refurbishment that includes a major upgrade of its traffic control systems.

As part of this work, the tunnel’s tidal flow lane management system has been switched off for safety reasons and replaced with fixed lanes until the new technology is fully installed later this year.

National Highways’ Tunnel Manager Julian Mitchell said: “We’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption for users of the tunnel and Tamar Bridge. We’ve implemented the new traffic management now for safety reasons, and have planned this carefully with our partners and have communicated the changes with all stakeholders.”

Mr Mitchell added: “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, and thank drivers for their patience while the traffic management is in place for this extensive modernisation scheme to upgrade the tunnel technology and future-proof the structure for many years to come.”

The Saltash Tunnel carries the A38 beneath the River Tamar and forms a key route for drivers travelling between West Devon and South East Cornwall.

Currently, traffic through the tunnel is operating with two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane during the day.

Additional traffic signals have been installed to manage flow and enable lane closures if necessary.

Overnight closures continue to allow essential construction work, including excavation and installation of new gantries that will display live traffic information.

During these closures, traffic is diverted onto local routes such as the B3271 and North Road.

The refurbishment project also involves upgrading ventilation and air quality systems, installing new LED lighting, replacing sensors, and improving safety barriers and signage.

A 30mph speed limit remains in place near the tunnel approaches to ensure safety for workers.

Mr Mitchell stressed the importance of the temporary measures: “We appreciate road closures can be frustrating but it’s difficult to work safely within and around the structure without closing it overnight. We have to keep the temporary speed limit in place during the day as it’s less safe for the workforce to deploy and remove on a daily basis.”

Drivers in West Devon who regularly use the A38 are advised to allow extra time for journeys and follow the new traffic management signage.

The improvements are expected to enhance traffic flow and safety on this important route in the long term.