A38 Saltash Tunnel

May 2025 update

A38 Saltash Tunnel – technology update

We’re currently carrying out an extensive programme of work to upgrade the technology in and around the tunnel, including the control system. This update of the systems will future-proof the structure for many years to come.

Over the last ten days, we’ve been experiencing repeated technology faults with the traffic control system at Saltash Tunnel. These faults offer further indications that the system has reached the end of its serviceable life. The tunnel and its bi-directional lanes rely on this specialised technology to operate and keep drivers safe.

As a result, and for the safety of road users, we have implemented our pre-planned response by fixing the lane direction using traffic management. As the tunnel has functioning safety systems and CCTV in place, we’re able to keep it open to road users under this arrangement:

Westbound into Cornwall - Two lanes are running on the bridge and through the tunnel
Eastbound into Devon - Traffic is using one lane through the tunnel and on the bridge. This is as well as the bridge cantilever lane for local traffic and Tamar TAG holders.

For the continued safety of all road users, fixed lanes will be in place for the remaining duration of the scheme. The overhead lane control signs are still displaying lane availability, however they will be switched off in the near future. This traffic management layout has been carefully designed with our partners which includes the emergency services.

As an additional safety measure, we’ve installed traffic signals at Tamar Bridge, the eastbound approach to the tunnel and at the tunnel entrances. These lights are not in use day-to-day but will allow us to close the tunnel / bridge in the event of a breakdown or incident.

We’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption for users of the tunnel and Tamar Bridge. We appreciate the tidal flow switch-off will have an impact on journey times. We’ll continue to closely monitor traffic flow in the area. Data from monitoring, including over the late May Bank Holiday, currently suggests only slight delays.

Our ask is:

plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys especially eastbound into Devon

follow signage indicating lane direction and stay in the lane assigned for your direction of travel

if red traffic signal lights are showing, this indicates the tunnel / bridge is temporarily closed due to a breakdown / incident. Please do not proceed past the signals until directed

do not overtake.

For up-to-date travel information, please check our travel alerts page or visit Traffic England.

Please note that as with any complex scheme, dates are subject to change.

As we move through the scheme, dates will be announced and kept up to date on our dedicated webpage. Please check online for the latest information. You can also sign up via the webpage to receive notifications when new information has been added.

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused but thank you for your continued understanding.

Scheme update

We’re progressing phase one of our works as we continue our major upgrades to the A38 Saltash Tunnel.

Piling works are now complete. This has involved the teams digging up to a depth of five metres on the approaches to the tunnel ready for the installation of four, eight by nine-metre gantries. The new gantries will house electronic information signs displaying live traffic and travel information.

The ducts underneath the road that will eventually house the new cabling, are in place. The team are continuing their works to pull huge swaths of cabling through the tunnel to the bridge and out to the separate control buildings.

Upcoming works for phase one includes utility works, reinstating some footpaths, installing electrical cabinets, and the pouring of the concrete foundations for the new gantries.

Did you know…

The tunnel was first opened in 1988

The tunnel is 410m long and sees around 40,000 vehicles per day

As part of the scheme, 31 miles of copper cabling are being installed, alongside 12 miles of fibre cabling.

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Any questions?

If you have any queries or comments about the work, or would like further information please contact National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or by email: info@nationalhighways.co.uk

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4th June 2025