A NEW phase of work on the Tamar Bridge will see two lanes on the main deck closed and the cantilever lanes being used as the default lanes for traffic.

The first phase of work to resurface the bridge was completed a week ahead of schedule thanks to a run of fine weather and significant progress made by contractors VolkerLaser.

The headstart meant good news for locals and visitors said Tamar Crossings: all four lanes on the bridge, including the dedicated Saltash cantilever lane, were open to traffic during the first, busy weekend of the school summer holiday.

Joint chairs of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Committee Cllrs Martin Worth and Jonathan Drean said it had been “great news for bridge users and those living and working in the adjoining communities”.

But the respite could sadly only be short-lives, as preparations for the next few months of wok are going ahead today and resurfacing will begin tomorrow.

This phase will see the eastbound lane and centre lane on the main deck closed to traffic, with the remaining lane used as the ‘tidal flow’ lane to help manage and balance traffic flows.

The direction of flow will be changed by control room staff in response to a build-up of traffic or incidents, such as accidents or breakdowns on the bridge or other issues on the adjoining road network.

The north cantilever will be used for eastbound traffic from Cornwall and for local Saltash traffic, with lane seven on the toll plaza acting as a tag only lane as normal. The south cantilever will be opened for westbound traffic travelling from Plymouth into Cornwall.

“We recognise that this new phase and the associated traffic management arrangements will be unfamiliar to many users and ask that drivers pay particular attention to the new lane layouts, traffic signs and prevailing traffic conditions,” said a spokesperson.