Update – Tamar Bridge Resurfacing Works 11th June 2021

Following the removal of the majority of the remaining surfacing material from the south cantilever earlier this week, shot blasting – where a specialist machine is used to blast grit/shot onto the deck to remove any stubborn remains of material – has now begun.

This will provide a clean surface, enabling engineers to thoroughly inspect the steel deck and welds for cracks or damage.

Work has also been continuing today on removing the remaining material from the edges on the North cantilever. Once this has been completed this deck will also be shot blasted.

We are continuing to closely monitor traffic flows, both on the bridge and on surrounding roads, and reacting to any build up of traffic as quickly as possible by changing lane directions on the bridge.

Normally our control room staff would change lane priorities up to 10 times a day in response to changes in traffic demand. During the past few days, however, the team have been changing priorities up to 40 times.

Thank you to everyone who has been helping us to ease congestion on the bridge as quickly as possible by moving lanes in a safe way in response to the overhead signs.

We appreciate the challenges that the resurfacing works are causing for bridge users and people living and working in the surrounding areas. We are continuing to work with Highways England to look at potential options to address the specific issues affecting Saltash.

We are continuing to provide our shuttle service to enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross the bridge safely. There are also other forms of transport available for people to use during this period, including bus and train. Details of bus services and timetables are available from both Cornwall Council and Plymouth Council, as well as individual operators.

There are also a number of rail services from South East Cornwall who go into the centre of Plymouth and onwards into Devon, some of which stop at smaller stations such as St Budeaux, as well as at Saltash station. Information about services, including tickets and offers, is available from Great Western Railways as well as from local community groups, including Saltash Rail Users Group .