Why you’ll see emergency crews on the Tamar Bridge tonight

If you are crossing the Tamar Bridge this evening and spot a cluster of blue lights and crews in high-vis, there is no need to worry. It is the plan working exactly as intended.

Why the exercise is being held on the bridge

Tamar Crossings, working alongside National Highways and emergency service partners, is running a planned multi-agency emergency training exercise at the Tamar Bridge this evening, Tuesday 8 September, starting at 19:30. It is expected to run for around two to three hours.

The bridge earns its place in the exercise by being what it is: a strategically important transport link with traffic movements and characteristics that cannot be fully copied anywhere else. Running the exercise on the real bridge lets the organisations involved test how their emergency arrangements would actually work, so plans stay effective and fit for purpose if they are ever needed for real.

What bridge users can expect tonight

The Tamar Bridge will stay open throughout, with arrangements in place to keep vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists moving. Even so, some delays are possible, and drivers, walkers and cyclists may notice temporary traffic management measures or changes to the normal route while the exercise is under way.

Anyone using the bridge is asked to follow all signs, signals and instructions for the duration, to help the exercise run safely and smoothly. And if you see emergency service activity on or around the bridge this evening, there is nothing to be alarmed about. It is a planned, controlled exercise, with safety measures in place throughout and every part of it carefully managed by the organisations taking part.

Travel advice before you set off

Anyone travelling through the area during the exercise is encouraged to allow extra time for the journey, take extra care around emergency vehicles and personnel working on site, and stay alert for temporary traffic management measures. Checking the Traffic Status Updates page before setting out will give the latest information on the night.

Tamar Bridge Manager Coral Jonas said exercises like this one are an important part of staying ready to respond effectively if an incident does happen on the bridge network. “By working together with our partners in a realistic setting, we can test our procedures, strengthen coordination and continue to prioritise the safety of everyone who uses the Tamar Bridge,” Coral said.

“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of bridge users while the exercise takes place, and would encourage anyone travelling through the area to allow extra time for their journey, follow any temporary traffic management measures and check for the latest travel information on our website before setting out.”

The Traffic Status Updates page will carry any further updates as the evening goes on.