Full News Report
21st April 2026
National Highways: A38 Saltash Tunnel update (16 April 2026)
Update:
16 April 2026
Overhead
lane signal testing continues
We’re continuing our installation of a new lane control system
at Saltash Tunnel and across the Tamar Bridge.
Upgrading technology around an operational tunnel and bridge is
complex work that must meet strict safety standards.
We’re
continuing our rigorous safety testing of the new system to ensure it’s working
as it should.
Next
week, we’ll be testing the display symbols (red crosses, white arrows, and
green arrows) on the new overhead lane signals.
Testing
will take place overnight (7.30pm – 6am) on Monday 20 April and Tuesday 21
April.
At
certain points during the testing, traffic might be held briefly at temporary
traffic signals. This is for the safety of drivers to avoid confusion while the
symbol testing is taking place.
While
we continue with the installation and testing of the new technology, the
current traffic management will remain in place.
Please
continue to stay in lane, follow the current traffic management and not the
overhead signals.
Road users will be further reminded to stay in lane via our
electronic signage boards displaying: ‘Testing overhead signals, stay in lane’.
Please plan ahead and allow
extra time for your journey. Dates may change at short notice due to
weather or operational reasons.
Coming
up:
We
expect testing of the overhead signals to be complete in the coming weeks.
The
next step will see the tidal flow lane control system switched on. We will
inform you in advance of when we expect the system to be switched on and fully
operational.
Until then,
traffic management will remain in place and road users will need to stay in
lane, follow the traffic management and not the overhead signals.
The
scheme will fully complete later in 2026.
More
information on our scheme, please visit our dedicated
webpage.
Help
us to spread the word
Please
help us by sharing this update. Please share this message with your connections
and network, as well as on your own channels.
Any
questions?
Please
note: all enquiries regarding the scheme should be directed to
National Highways, and not to Tamar Crossings which is independently owned
and operated by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council.
You
can view our dedicated webpage on the scheme, here.
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
Follow
us on X at @HighwaysSWEST
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National Highways Limited
| General enquiries: 0300 123 5000 |National Traffic Operations Centre, 3
Ridgeway, Quinton Business Park, Birmingham B32 1AF | https://nationalhighways.co.uk | info@nationalhighways.co.uk