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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.