Major Cornwall Road to Close Day and Night for Almost a Month – Are You Affected By The A391 Closure?

Essential resurfacing work on the A391 begins 6th May

A key route through St Austell will close for nearly a month this May while Cornwall Council carries out essential resurfacing work to improve road safety.

The A391, also known as the North East Distributor road, will be shut 24 hours a day from 6th to 30th May for what the Council calls vital improvements to address the road’s deteriorating condition and reduce future maintenance costs.

Access across the Bethel, Boscoppa, and Carclaze roundabouts will be maintained between 7am and 7pm from 6th to 14th May. Drivers will also be able to reach the industrial estate via Scredda roundabout throughout the closure period.

For full closure details and diversion maps, visit: Cormac A391 Closure Information

Clearway zones and traffic management in place

To ease pressure on nearby roads during the closure, a clearway zone will be in force on Treverbyn Road, Slades Road, Tregonissey Road and Truro Road from 6th May, meaning no parking will be permitted Monday to Friday during the following hours:

• 7:30am to 9:30am

• 2:30pm to 6pm

Households and businesses affected will be contacted directly later this month. Signs will also be put in place to notify drivers of the restrictions, and more clearway zones may be introduced if needed.

Bus disruptions and diversions

Bus companies and emergency services have been informed and will make alternative arrangements during the works. Disruptions to public transport services will be posted on Cornwall Council’s website here:
👉 Cornwall Council Bus Service Disruptions

Signs will also be placed at key junctions to divert non-through traffic, with variable message signs (VMS) on the A30 and A390 warning drivers in advance.

Improving safety and reducing carbon emissions

The resurfacing is part of Live Labs 2, a UK-wide, Department for Transport-funded programme that tests new ways of reducing carbon emissions in highway maintenance. Cornwall Council is part of the Wessex Partnership leading one of the seven projects across the country.

Bryan Skinner, Cornwall Council’s Head of Transport and Environment, said:

“We need to resurface the A391 to improve road safety and address its deteriorating condition. By investing in these essential improvements now, we will also reduce maintenance costs and disruption in the future.

Given the importance of the A391, we know the project will disrupt local traffic and we have developed diversion plans prioritising safety and efficiency while ensuring they are the least disruptive possible. This is to ensure we finish this important project efficiently and we will be working extended hours to complete the work as soon as possible.”

Two special surfacing products are being trialled during the work:

• Milepave™, a lower-carbon grouted macadam that offers a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt

• Hardipave™, a heavy-duty surface mix designed for high-wear areas like roundabouts

Safety upgrades will also include solar road studs, kerb realignment, high-spec white lining, enhanced signage, and chevron blockwork.

While some noise is expected, the loudest operations will be carried out during the day to minimise disruption.

More about Live Labs 2 can be found at: adeptnet.org.uk/livelabs2projects

For questions about the works, email: surfacing@cormacltd.co.uk.