aDETAILS of the works to be carried out on the Saltash tunnel - which will follow on from work on strengthening and widening the Tamar Bridge - have been given to Saltash Chamber of commerce and industry members.
The details were sent to the Chamber from local MP, Colin Breed, following discussion with the Highway Agency.
Area manager, Clive Park, said there would be disruption due to the tunnel works, the present view being that one lane of the tunnel would be open at all times, save for occasional night work.
North Road was emerging as the preferred alternative route, and the one way slip road at the western end of the tunnel was likely to be made two-way.
The work was to be funded by the Highways Agency as it was recognised road tunnels generally require full refurbishment every 15 years or so. While new lining would be inserted to cover the water, the tunnel has been found to be structurally sound.
Chamber chairman, Bob Frost, was concerned that signs diverting traffic away from the area at Exeter and Bodmin might have an adverse affect on visitors to Saltash.
It was suggested some kind of festival might be held to promote the town between the ending of the bridge works, and the start of those on the tunnel.
A Brunel theme was outlined, and it was thought Caradon could then be asked to reconsider free parking in the town.