Tamar Bridge stays open through this week’s A38 works

Drive towards the Tamar Bridge over the next few nights and you might spot warning signs about the A38 being shut, the sort of sign that makes anyone start replanning the whole journey. There is no need. The bridge itself is staying open, in both directions, throughout.

What is actually closing

The confusion is coming from separate overnight roadworks. National Highways is carrying out work on the A38 westbound between St Budeaux and the Tamar Bridge, and that stretch of road will be closed during the works.

The closures run from 18 to 21 August, between 8.00pm and 6.00am each night. Outside those hours, the A38 operates as normal.

How to still reach the bridge

Tamar Crossings, the joint committee that runs the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, says a diversion is in place via Pemros Road, allowing traffic to keep reaching the bridge while the closure is on. It is simply a case of following the signed route rather than turning back.

What to do if you are travelling overnight this week

The advice from Tamar Crossings is straightforward. Allow extra time for the journey, and follow the signed diversion rather than relying on a route you know from daylight hours. The detour adds a few minutes, not a cancelled crossing.

Where to check for updates

For the latest on the road closure and diversion, National Highways is posting updates through its South West channels as the roadworks continue.

The overnight closures are due to run until the early hours of 22 August, though anyone crossing after dark before then should still expect the Pemros Road detour rather than a straight run in on the A38.