Newquay Road Closures for Boardmasters 2024: Key Traffic Changes Ahead

Festival organisers have announced significant updates to the traffic management plan for this year’s event, aimed at easing congestion and improving the experience for both festivalgoers and local residents. The changes, particularly focused on the Porth area, come in response to public concerns raised over recent years.

Key Road Closures and Traffic Flow Adjustments

One of the most notable changes is the road closure on Watergate Road, which will be in effect during the festival’s live dates. As in previous years, the closure will start near the SeaSpace apart-hotel (formerly The Sands) and extend to Watergate Bay. This closure is essential for safety, ensuring smooth pedestrian crossings and minimising vehicular access during peak times.

To minimise disruption, the closure will be implemented dynamically, with the road opening briefly in the mornings if conditions are safe, allowing local traffic to pass through. Festival organisers advise drivers to use alternative routes north of the Airport to avoid the closure altogether.

Enhanced Resident Access and New Checkpoints

Residents of Porth will see several new measures aimed at reducing festival-related traffic in their neighbourhood. Four staffed checkpoints will be set up along the B3276, beginning at the Henver Road/Port Road Roundabout. These checkpoints will progressively intensify, starting with softer checks to inform drivers and moving to hard road closures near the festival site. Only residents, business access, and holiday park visitors will be allowed past these points.

To streamline access, local residents can obtain a print-at-home ‘Porth Residents Access’ vehicle pass, which will help them navigate through the checkpoints more easily. However, this pass does not grant access to the festival itself or any associated parking facilities.

New Park and Ride Services

To alleviate pressure on local roads, a new Park and Ride service will be introduced at the fair fields off the A3059 near the Trekenning Roundabout. This site will cater to weekend ticket holders and all day ticket holders arriving by car. A dedicated bus service will transport attendees to and from the festival site, with increased frequency during peak times.

The White Park and Ride site near St. Columb Major will also be used this year, specifically to reduce the traffic impact on Porth. Day ticket holders will access the festival via shuttle buses, taxis, or on foot, with parking located at this new facility.

Detailed Schedule for Festival Traffic

Festival organisers have released a detailed schedule for traffic management, particularly for the ingress and egress of ticket holders. Peak arrival times for weekend ticket holders are expected between 10:00 and 16:00 from Wednesday 7th to Saturday 10th August, with Wednesday being the busiest day.

For day ticket holders, the heaviest traffic is anticipated between 10:00 and 14:00 on Friday 9th to Sunday 11th August, with peak departures happening late in the evening.

Conclusion

These updated traffic management strategies reflect a commitment to addressing past concerns and improving the overall experience for everyone involved. By implementing new checkpoints, road closures, and Park and Ride services, the organisers aim to minimise disruptions while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of festivalgoers and local residents alike.

For more detailed information and to plan your journey, visit the Boardmasters festival’s official travel page.