Major Plymouth roadworks to resume as second phase at Woolwell takes shape from next week

Work on the next phase of the Woolwell to The George transport improvement scheme is due to begin later this month, with construction expected to last around 18 months.

Plymouth City Council says the second phase will see Woolwell Roundabout replaced with traffic lights, along with widening of Tavistock Road and improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Ahead of the main works, overnight road works will take place from next Monday (26 January) for five nights. 

During this time, traffic islands on Tavistock Road between Woolwell Roundabout and the George Junction will be removed, with lane closures and temporary traffic lights operating between 7pm and 6am.

A temporary signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed near the footpath link to Frensham Avenue, close to Turners of Roborough, to allow people to cross safely once the central islands are removed.

The main construction phase is due to start on Monday 2 February, beginning around Woolwell Roundabout and moving south towards the George Junction. 

Traffic management will be put in place overnight on Sunday 1 February.

Throughout the works, one lane in each direction will be kept open between the George Junction and Woolwell Roundabout, apart from some overnight closures, and lanes will be narrowed to allow space for construction.

ABOVE: The plans for Phase 2 outlined by Plymouth City Council (Image: PCC)

There will be no right turn out of Woolwell Road onto Woolwell Roundabout, and drivers heading north will be redirected via the new Woolwell Crescent junction, completed during the first phase.

Early works will include tree and vegetation removal, demolition of the Clock House, utility diversions and drainage works. 

The council says efforts have been made to limit tree loss, with 36 trees now retained following specialist assessments, including four protected by tree preservation orders.

A council spokesperson said: “Throughout the design and development process, we have sought to minimise the footprint of the scheme and retain as many existing trees as possible.”

The project includes plans to plant 19 new mature trees, along with wildflowers, hedging and planting around two new drainage ponds.

Members of the project team were available to speak to residents at the Woolwell Centre today (Monday 19 January), and will be there again on Wednesday 21 January, between 10am and 7pm, to answer questions and show the plans.

The Woolwell to The George scheme aims to reduce congestion on one of the city’s busiest routes which connects Plymouth to the moor. 

Plymouth City Council says the work is needed ahead of planned growth in the north of the city, including around 4,400 new homes, with 2,000 at the Woolwell Urban Extension.

The full scheme is expected to cost £45 million, including £24.9 million of UK Government funding.