Update: A38 Saltash Tunnel technology upgrade.

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An update on the A38 Saltash Tunnel Technology upgrade:

The following information has been provided by National Highways. To read the latest copy visit: A38 Saltash Tunnel technology upgrade – National Highways

National Highways are undertaking a major modernisation upgrade of the A38 Saltash Tunnel in Cornwall. This represents a £25 million investment to improve journeys and maintain the safe operation of the tunnel for many years to come.

These essential upgrade works will help to:

  • Keep everyone using the tunnel safe
  • Provide more reliable journeys
  • Reduce the risk of unplanned closures.

National Highways have been undertaking preparatory works within the tunnel over the past year. This includes:

  • The identification, tagging and removal of old cabling from within the tunnel ducts
  • Cleaning, jetting and re-roping the cable ducts
  • Removal of cladding panels to survey for the new tunnel gantries
  • Installation of new fibre optics under the Tamar Bridge.

These works will continue over the coming months as planned. 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 nighttime tunnel closures. National Highways will provide advance notice of these closures when dates are confirmed. As with any complex scheme, dates are subject to change while commercial and programming decisions are finalised.

Until these final details have been confirmed National Highways won’t be starting the civils work required on the approaches to the tunnel and the Tamar Bridge. While this means they won’t be starting this phase as soon as they’d hoped, they will still be moving forward with the preparatory works.

National Highways are now fine tuning the programme of works for the scheme which includes the associated traffic management plans. The works will continue to be phased, and we will share full details as soon possible.

 

Current proposed key dates and traffic management

Please note, these are subject to change as the programme and approach is refined.

Early 2025 to late 2025​

  • The tunnel will be closed in both directions on weeknights with traffic using local diversion routes.
  • By closing the tunnel only at night, we can reduce the impact on the local community and drivers.
  • During this period, for a time, one lane will be narrowed on the eastern approach to the Tamar Bridge.​

​​Summer 2025 for 5 months​

‘The Switch-off’. The tunnel and bridge will no longer operate on a tidal flow basis.

Fixed lanes will be in operation with clear directions for each lane, until work is complete. More details about the works including weeknight tunnel closures, lane closures, and speed restrictions, will be available on our dedicated webpage as the scheme progresses: nationalhighways.co.uk/saltashtunnel

 

If you have any questions, call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk Please note: all enquiries should be directed to National Highways, and not to Tamar Bridge which is independently owned and operated by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council.

Polperro Road Closure: Frequently Asked Questions

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 Frequently Asked Questions Polperro Road Closure: 

 

Q: Who is responsible for the road closure?

A: Cornwall Highways are managing this road closure and providing information about the closure in place.

Q: When will the work commence?

A: This is scheduled to be in place from Monday 4th November to Friday 20 December. The workforce will be onsite 7:30am-11pm. The road will remain closed on weekends.

Q: What work is scheduled?

A: Wall stabilisation works.

 

Q: Why is this necessary?

A: The work needs to be carried out ASAP as poor winter conditions may cause further damage to the wall.

Q: Why can’t two-way traffic lights be implemented?

A: The entire road space is needed to operate this work safely and efficiently.

Q: What happens about the emergency services?

A: Access for the school & college bus services will be maintained from Mon- Friday during the following times.

7.30am – 8.30am

3.15pm – 3.45pm

5.30pm – 6.00pm

Emergency Services: Access will be maintained while the workforce is on-site and all emergency services are aware of arrangements.

Q: What happens about the buses?

A: Access for the school & college bus services will be maintained from Mon- Friday during the following times.

7.30am – 8.30am

3.15pm – 3.45pm

5.30pm – 6.00pm

Go Cornwall have issued a revised timetable at:looe tt_2024-10-10-11-03-20

School buses operated by Go Cornwall can be used by the public.

Q: Is Looe Bridge Closed?

 A: No, Looe Bridge remains open. a closure is in place for 30 mins on 29th November for the annual lantern parade.

Q: I’m concerned West Looe Hill will not be safe.

A: Cornwall Highways have assured that West Looe Hill is NOT a direct diversion for Polperro Road. Due to its length, width and historic nature it is NOT a suitable diversion route and will not be used as one. Diversion routes can be viewed in the signed order here: Signed Order & Alternative routes document, or by accessing the signed order pdf on https://one.network/.

Looe Town Council note the directed site https://one.network/ has caused some confusion as a diversion route via West Looe Hill is present for the works on North Road, West Looe. This is NOT a diversion route for Polperro Road.

 Q: I know someone who cannot access these road closures online:

A: Our Facebook and website communications are the most efficient way to keep the town informed, and the use of third-party websites allows time sensitive information to remain accurate and informative. If you know someone who has no internet access or cannot find the information you are looking for you can call Cornwall Council Roads, Parking and Transport on 0300 1234 222.

In addition, Cornwall Highways has provided the following document:A387 West Looe – November 2024You can visit Looe Library & Community Hub to view a printed version of the latest documents.

 

Looe Town Council will post further information as it becomes available to us.

Works

Traffic Update: Polperro Road Closure – Assurances and Alternative Routes

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Following Cornwall Council’s announcement of the upcoming Polperro Road closure, due to begin on 4th November, the Council has received questions from residents and road users.
Cornwall Highways has confirmed that the closure will not affect key services.
• Emergency Services: Access for emergency vehicles will remain throughout the duration of the works.
• School Buses: School bus services will operate as usual. Access is being maintained for school and college buses during the closure during the following times:
7.30am – 8.30am
3.15pm – 3.45pm
5.30pm – 6.00pm
• Pedestrians and Cyclists: Safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.
Alternative Routes for Road Users:
For road users, alternative routes have been arranged and are highlighted via: https://one.network/ Drivers are advised to follow the designated diversion signage.
An overview of alternative routes can be found via the link above by following these steps:
-Make sure you’re searching for orders relevant to the next three months.
-Scroll to the Traffic Order Documents section using the bar on right.
-Select the PDF titled signed order.
We encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the alternative routes and adjust their travel plans accordingly to minimise inconvenience.
Further Information:
For detailed maps of the alternative routes and any additional queries, please refer to the links provided. We will continue to provide updates from Cornwall Council as soon as they are made available.
All Councillors

Full Council Meeting Invitation.

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Full Council Meeting will commence today:

Date: 21st October 2024

Location: Council Chambers, Looe Library & Community Hub

Time: 6pm

You can read the agenda here: https://www.looetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-council/agendas-and-minutes#tab-id-3

 

This is a PUBLIC meeting and open to everyone. If you wish to attend, please contact enquiries@looetowncouncil.gov.uk or ring 01503 262255.

This meeting will be conducted in compliance with Looe Town Council’s Standing Orders and the Councillors Code of Conduct.

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Flood Warning in force: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head

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The following information has been issued by the Environment Agency on 19/10/2024.

Flood warning for South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head

View map of the flood warning area(Visual only)

Flooding is expected over the high tide on Sunday morning due to high spring tides and forecast strong wind and waves.

High water at Plymouth is at 8:15am on Sunday morning, times of high water vary along the coast, flooding is possible up to 1 hour either side of high tide.

Exposed coastal communities are particularly at risk over Sunday morning’s tide due to forecast wind and wave conditions.

Flooding to low lying coastal land and roads is also possible on Saturday evening, conditions will ease for Sunday evening’s tide, however minor flooding is still possible. A flood alert remains in force over the weekend.

Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves. Consider installing flood protection products such as flood boards or sandbags.

We are monitoring the situation and will update this information by 11am on Sunday morning or if the situation changes.

Detailed tidal information; Forecast high tide level at Plymouth is 2.93 mAOD. Expect tide levels to be 0.3 to 0.4m above tide table level, with force 7 Southerly winds and offshore wave heights of up to 2.8m.

Flood warning area: Gribbin Head to Rame Head including Fowey, Golant, Lostwithiel, Lerryn, Polruan, Polperro, Looe and the Looe Rivers and Seaton.

Contact Floodline for advice

 

 

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Flood Alert in force: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

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The following is an update from the Environment Agency.

 

Flood Alert in force: South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

Flooding is possible for: Gribbin Head to Rame Head including Fowey, Golant, Lostwithiel, Lerryn, Polruan, Polperro, Looe and the Looe Rivers and Seaton.

Flooding is possible over the high tide on Thursday evening. High water at Plymouth is at 6:30pm, times of high water will vary along the coast.

Spring tides are forecast to cause flooding between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

Locations particularly at risk include low lying coastal communities.

Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves.

Coastal conditions should ease for Friday morning’s high tide; however, spring tides and unsettled weather conditions are expected to cause further flooding over the weekend, particularly over the high tides on Friday evening and Sunday morning, flood warnings will be issued where required.

 

The Environment agency are monitoring the situation and will update on the matter by 11am on Friday, or if the situation changes.

 

Detailed tidal information;

The forecast high tide level at Plymouth is 2.86m AOD. Expect tide levels along the coast to be between 0.1 and 0.2m above tide table level. Moderate force 4 westerly winds and offshore wave heights of 1.5m are forecast over the high tide.

 

To check the latest information:

Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/114WACT1T1CA00

Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 211002 .

 

Stephen Remington Group

Deputy Mayor Stephen Remington hosts MSc Environmental Management students.

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Yesterday, Deputy Mayor Stephen Remington hosted an educational session for the University of Plymouth MSc Environmental Management students, focusing on sustainable tourism management in Looe.

The students had a chance to explore key topics such as the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, with particular attention to social, economic, and environmental challenges in a tourism-dependent town like Looe.

Some of the key discussion points included:

  • Tourism seasonality: Addressing the need to extend the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months, thereby supporting the local economy year-round while reducing pressure on local services and infrastructure during peak periods.
  • Challenges of tourism: Issues such as waste management due to increased tourist numbers, the strain on local resources, and the environmental footprint of tourism were highlighted.
  • Housing and accommodation: The rise of holiday lets and Airbnbs, which can lead to housing shortages for locals and potential changes in the social fabric of the community, was a significant topic of concern.

The session, organised by the University of Plymouth, provided a valuable platform for the students to discuss real-world applications of sustainable tourism, offering them insight into both the barriers and the opportunities for sustainable development in coastal towns like Looe. Hopefully, these discussions will inform future strategies and solutions in their environmental management careers!

 

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Flood Warning Issued for South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

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The following Information has been provided via Flood Alerts and Warnings Gov.UK. You can access the full post  here: Flood alert for South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head – GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)

 

Flooding is possible over the high tide on Wednesday evening. High water at Plymouth is at 5:45pm, times of high water will vary along the coast. Spring tides are forecast to cause flooding between 4:45pm and 6:45pm.

Locations particularly at risk include low lying coastal communities.

Coastal conditions should ease for Thursday morning’s high tide; however, spring tides and unsettled weather conditions are expected to cause further flooding from Thursday evening’s high tide, additional flood alerts and warnings will be issued.

We are monitoring the situation and will update this information by 11am on Thursday, or sooner if the situation changes.

Detailed tidal information; The forecast high tide level at Plymouth is 2.86m AOD. Expect tide levels along to coast to be between 0.2 and 0.3 metres above tide table level. Moderate force 4 south-westerly winds and offshore wave heights of 0.8m are forecast over the high tide.

Flood alert area: Gribbin Head to Rame Head including Fowey, Golant, Lostwithiel, Lerryn, Polruan, Polperro, Looe and the Looe Rivers and Seaton.

 

 

Works

Latest Update: Closure North Road, Looe

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Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 S.14: Temporary Prohibition of Traffic

Location:        North Road, Looe

Timing:           15th October 2024 to 20th December 2024 (24 hours)

Reason for Emergency Closure: To repair retaining wall

Contact:          Jim Driscoll, Cormac Solutions Ltd

The above closure has been approved and is now in progress.

 

Please click the following link to view a map and associated documents: View on https://one.network/?tm=140740617

 

Works

Polperro Road Works Update

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Following discussions last week, we are providing an update on the upcoming roadworks on Polperro Road. The works are now scheduled to commence on 4th November 2024.

For the latest information on roadworks in your area, please follow the link below: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/roads-highways-and-pavements/roadworks/

Looe Town Council will continue to share further updates and information as they become available.