PROPOSALS to redirect traffic, so that Saltash does not become permanently jammed with traffic during works on the Tunnel next year, were outlined at a special meeting last night.
The proposals were to be presented at The Guildhall by the Highways Agency and Cornwall county council at a meeting organised by Saltash town council.
They showed that at times during the huge six month scheme the tunnel will be completely closed to motorists.
Among those due to attend was Sam Rae, of the Highways Agency, who said that she would be assessing the views of the residents on the traffic scheme, and discussing their fears about what could happen regarding snarl-ups. She said the meeting would see 'the start of the whole process' running up to the Tunnel works, which are due to start in the autumn, and be completed by the spring of 2003.
A diagram was produced of the Highways Agency plans which show a new roundabout just to the west of the tunnel, and the slip road at the South Pill roundabout, running up to North Road, being made two-way at times when the eastbound lane in the tunnel is closed for the repairs.
Drivers travelling westwards through the tunnel will be directed into the nearside lane in the Carkeel direction, eventually merging with those heading west on the slip road. To put this into operation work is needed to the Cutler's Corner junction, South Pill roundabout and the slip road itself.
A Highways Agency spokesman, project sponsor Nigel Dyson of South West Highways, said that the trunk road element of the proposals also take in works to be carried out on the Fore Street bridge over the A38.
These would include narrowing the pavements to provide three lanes for the traffic, eastbound drivers from North Road being directed on to the bridge's northern cantilever lane, and those approaching from Saltash town centre using the nearside Plymouth-bound lane.
Headaches
Mr Dyson explained that 'together with a tranche of local traffic measures put in place by Cornwall county council we will try to improve the traffic corridor in Saltash during the Tunnel works as much as possible to reduce any headaches which might be caused.'
Other alterations include the present traffic lights at Burraton Cross becoming two mini-roundabouts.
The county council plans for the diversions fall under the responsibility of County Highways area surveyor, Steve Ewing, who is based at the Tolpetherwin depot and covers the Saltash area.