The hidden cables behind Wadebridge’s Camel Viaduct works

Drivers crossing the Camel Viaduct from next month will be sharing the road with more than just cones and temporary lights. Buried in the footway on the north side of the bridge sit transatlantic fibre-optic communication cables, and moving them safely is part of the reason the viaduct is about to spend another five months as a working site.

What’s happening on the viaduct from 7 September

Cornwall Council has confirmed that Cormac will begin the second phase of essential maintenance on the Wadebridge crossing on 7 September 2026, with the ducting improvements and waterproofing works on the south side carriageway expected to be complete by the end of February 2027.

This phase covers improvements to the cable ducting within the footway on the south side of the bridge, followed by waterproofing the remaining section of the south side carriageway. Cornwall Council says the timing has been scheduled to avoid busy highway embargo periods.

Why the bridge needs new waterproofing

The wider project is about replacing the Camel Viaduct’s waterproof protection, which Cornwall Council says will help prevent water ingress that can damage the bridge deck and its supporting structures, and will ensure the crossing’s long-term structural integrity and safety.

Once the ducting and waterproofing work on the south side carriageway is finished, the transatlantic fibre-optic communication cables currently running through the north footway will be moved across to the south side by the relevant utility companies. Cornwall Council says this will let future bridge maintenance and cable access happen safely, without risk to the cables themselves, which are classified as critical infrastructure. That relocation work is expected to follow in the new year, with the cable owners anticipating a four-week programme.

Traffic lights and a lower speed limit

Two-way traffic lights will be back in place on the viaduct for the duration of Phase Two, alongside temporary bull barriers to protect the workforce and mark out the construction section. The lights will use auto-green technology to keep traffic flowing and will be switched to manual operation during peak travel times.

A temporary 40mph speed limit will apply from Tollgate roundabout to Ball roundabout for as long as the works continue. Cornwall Council says every effort will be made to keep disruption down, but delays are possible, and drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys where they can.

What comes after Phase Two

A third and final phase is already pencilled in. That stage will involve waterproofing the north carriageway and is expected to commence in September 2027.

Cornwall Council is describing work sites and road closure areas on the viaduct as places that can be dangerous, and is asking people not to enter the closure area, which is restricted to authorised personnel only.

Raising a concern or getting updates

Anyone with questions about the refurbishment can email [email protected] or call 0300 1234 222, a 24-hour line Cornwall Council also asks people to use for anything that’s a threat to public safety on site. A separate issue with a road, highway or footway can be reported through Cornwall Council’s report a road problem page.

Wadebridge Town Council, which shared details of the works with residents, is directing people to Cornwall Council’s Let’s Talk online hub for regular updates as the programme develops. Whether the auto-green lights keep the traffic moving as smoothly as promised is something Wadebridge drivers will find out for themselves from the 7th.