Maintenance schemes - South West

National Highways recognises the environmental value of trees. We manage our trees through their whole lifecycle, to control safety risk and optimise their environmental value.

We began a programme of Ash Dieback removal in 2022. Although the issue still requires careful monitoring, we have now completed most of our clearance work. Over the coming months we will begin replanting the areas most affected by this work. We will plant just over 3,000 new trees along the A30 in Devon and Cornwall, ahead of bird nesting season. Local species such as Hazel, Crab Apple, Holly, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, European Spindle, Hornbeam and several others in lesser numbers, will be planted in a variety of sizes. The trees have been carefully chosen to ensure local habitats are encouraged to flourish.

The work will take place on verges with some rolling lane closures in place. To find out more visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/

Ash dieback is a national issue and more information from the Forestry Commission can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-ash-dieback-in-england.

Tree Council - Ash dieback a tree owners guide

https://treecouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tree-Council-Ash-dieback-tree-owners-guide-FINAL.pdf

We use weather stations to collect information like road temperature and atmospheric conditions. They help us monitor and look after our road network.

We’re currently surveying our road network to find opportunities to replace weather stations.

• Closures

We’ll be using a mixture of overnight (8pm to 6am) lane and full closures to complete our work.

Please bear in mind that closures can change at short notice. For the most up to date information, check our daily closures page.

Our first phase of works will be from July to October 2024 at the following locations:

• A36 Norridge Common
• A38 Buckfastleigh
• A38 Smithaleigh
• A30 Colliford Lake

A369 Portbury Hundred

We’re upgrading the lighting on the A369 Portbury Hundred and the M5 between junctions 18 and 19 to newer and more efficient LED lighting. Before we start our upgrade, we need to do some preparation work on Portbury Hundred.

Closure information

The A369 Portbury Hundred will be closed overnight from 9pm to 6am between Monday 23 and Friday 27 September. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place using the A369, B3129, B3130 and B3124.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

We’re resurfacing the westbound A30 between Plusha and Cannaframe.

We’ll carrying out most of our work on weeknights, when the road is quieter, starting from Monday 2 September. Our work is due to finish on the morning of Wednesday 9 October.

Closure information

From Monday 2 September to Wednesday 9 October, we’ll be working on the A30 westbound between the Plusha and Cannaframe junctions weeknights, 8pm to 6am. We’ll be using a convoy system, meaning the A30 is still open, but you will be taken past the working area behind a traffic vehicle at a reduced speed.

As work progresses, there will be some closures around the Five Lanes junction. These are 8pm to 6am unless stated:

• Wednesday 4 & Monday 9 September: Five Lanes westbound exit. Diversion: stay on A30, travel to Bolventor and return. There will be temporary traffic lights on the Five Lanes roundabout during the closure on 9 September to ensure the safety of all while we’re resurfacing the slip road.
  
  
• Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September: the westbound carriageway will be closed between the Five Lanes slips. Diversion: traffic will leave via the exit slip and rejoin via the entry slip.
  
  
• Monday 16 September: Five Lanes westbound entry. Diversion: join the A30 eastbound, travel to the Kennards House junction where you can join the A30 westbound carriageway. You will not be allowed to U-turn at Plusha – please continue to Kennards House.
  
  
• 8pm Tuesday 17 September to 6am Thursday 19 September: Five Lane westbound entry (this is an extended closure). Diversion: join the A30 eastbound, travel to the Kennards House junction where you can join the westbound carriageway. You will not be allowed to U-turn at Plusha – please continue to Kennards House. 
  
  
• Thursday 19 September: Five Lanes westbound entry. Diversion: join the A30 eastbound, travel to the Kennards House junction where you can join the A30 westbound carriageway. You will not be allowed to U-turn at Plusha – please continue to Kennards House.

There will also be times when we need to close the crossovers between the westbound and eastbound carriageway for safety. Please follow signed diversions.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

We’re carrying out repairs and maintenance to the Avers Interchange on the A30 at Redruth.

Working on the roundabout above the A30, we’ll be repairing and replacing expansion joints, resurfacing and waterproofing. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using this busy junction.

Our work will start on Monday 9 September. It will take up to ten weeks. We’ll be using a mixture of lane and full closures to allow us to work as safely and quickly as possible, with least disruption.

Closure information

From 7am on Monday 9 September, the Avers Interchange roundabout over the A30 will be closed:

• between the eastbound entry and westbound exit
• between the westbound entry and eastbound exit

The A30 will remain open as usual through the junction.

Diversion routes will be in place for eastbound traffic wanting to access Redruth and westbound traffic going towards North Country by travelling to the next junction and returning.

If you are coming from North Country direction (north of the junction) wanting to go west, join the eastbound carriageway and go to the next junction (Chiverton Cross), to join the westbound carriageway.

If you are coming from Redruth (south of the junction) wanting to go east, join the westbound carriageway and travel to the next junction (Tolvaddon Interchange) to join the eastbound carriageway.

A30 Avers Interchange diversion map – once you’ve opened the map, select the route you want to show from the list on the left hand side.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

The roundabout is due to fully reopen in late-November, however this work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. We’ll be posting updates on our webpage.

Fully closing sections of the roundabout for solid blocks of time means we can reduce the time needed for this work from nine months to ten weeks.

Pedestrian and cycle shuttle bus service – North Country to ALDI

As we’re unable to allow pedestrian or cycle access through the closures, there will be a shuttle bus service running between North Country and ALDI from 7am to midnight each day. Please note this is subject to change depending on demand. 

We’ll carrying out maintenance on the A303 between Rawridge and the Southfield Roundabout. This includes repairs and surveys of the road surface, vegetation clearance, and barrier repairs.

Closure information

The A303 will be closed between Rawridge and Southfields Roundabout from Monday 16 to Friday 20 September, 8pm to 6am each night. We’ll finish this work at 6am on Saturday 21 September.  

Diversion information

For anyone wanting to use the A303, there will be a signed diversion using the A358 and A30. Access will be maintained for properties within the closure.

Please note, there will be overnight closures Sundays to Thursday, from Sunday 22 September, while we resurface the A303 between the Southfield Roundabout and Newtown.

We’re carrying out resurfacing on the A303 at Horton including the Southfield Roundabout at Ilminster. 

The A303 will then be fully closed overnight between the Southfield Roundabout and south to Newtown, Sunday to Thursday, from Sunday 22 September to Tuesday 22 October, 8pm to 6am each night for resurfacing.

A diversion will be in place using the A358 and A30.

There may also be temporary traffic lights and lane closures on the Southfield Roundabout overnight. 

Access will be maintained for properties with direct access within the closures, please approach the closure gate. Where possible, noisy work will be completed in the early evening so that overnight noise is kept to a minimum.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

Please note: before we start resurfacing, we’ll be carrying out maintenance on the A303 between Rawridge and the Southfield Roundabout, with the road closed from Monday 16 to Friday 20 September, 8pm to 6am each night.

We’ll soon be carrying out resurfacing and improvements on the A303 near Stonehenge and Amesbury.

This will maintain safety and improve the journey for road users, while preventing the need for unplanned closures.

• Closure information (dates are inclusive)

Thursday 8 to Wednesday 14 August: the A303 will be closed between the Amesbury junction and Countess Roundabout weeknights from 8pm to 6am each night.

Diversion via the A345, Portway and A338.

CANCELLED: Thursday 15, Friday 16 & Monday 19 August: the A303 Solstice eastbound slips will be closed between 8pm and 6am. For traffic wanting to join eastbound, diversion is via Porton Road, Solstice Park, Solstice Park Avenue, joining the A303 westbound to the Countess Roundabout, where you can get on to the A303 eastbound.

Saturday 17 August: the A303 will be closed between the Countess (A345) and Longbarrow (A360) Roundabouts from on 8pm and 6am each night

Diversion via A360, A3086, The Packway and A345.

Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 August: the A303 Solstice westbound slips and main carriageway will be closed between 8pm and 6am. For westbound traffic, diversion via A338, A36 and A345. To join the A303, follow London Road to the Countess Roundabout.

Please note: the A303 will be fully closed between the Longbarrow Roundabout and Deptford Interchange from 9pm to 5am on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 August.

We’ll be resurfacing the A303 Countess Roundabout from Monday 2 September – we’ll provide more information here soon.  

Access will be maintained for properties with direct access off the A303 during the closures – please approach the closure gate.

We’re resurfacing the A303 Countess Roundabout in Amesbury. It will make it safer for everyone using this busy junction and reduce the need for unplanned closures.

While the closures are in place also going to take the opportunity to carry out maintenance work between the Countess and Longbarrow roundabouts. This includes repairs and surveys of the road surface approaching the roundabout, vegetation clearance, and barrier repairs.

Closure information

Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 September: the A303 will be closed between the Longbarrow and Countess roundabouts between 8pm and 6am each night. A diversion will be in place for eastbound traffic via A360, Packway and A345. Westbound traffic, please use the A3028, B3083 to rejoin the A303 at Winterbourne Stoke.

Thursday 5 to Tuesday 17 September: there will be closures on the Countess Roundabout between 8pm and 6am weeknights.

Eastbound traffic, please use A345 (Countess Road) and A3028 (Larkhill Road). For westbound traffic, please use the A3028, B3083 to rejoin the A303 at Winterbourne Stoke.

We’re carrying out maintenance on the A36 between Quidhampton and St Paul’s Roundabout. This includes repairs and surveys of the road surface, vegetation clearance, and barrier repairs.

Closure information

The A36 will be closed between Quidhampton (A3094) and St Paul’s Roundabout (A360) on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 September from 8pm to 6am each night.

A diversion will be in place using the A36, A303 and A338.

Access will be maintained for properties with direct access off the A36 during the closures – please approach the closure gate.

Our work will be noisy. We’ll be doing what we can to complete it as quickly as possible so that overnight noise is kept to a minimum. Sorry for any inconvenience.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

Update 9 July - this work has been postponed. We'll provide more information here once new dates are confirmed. 

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We’ll soon be carrying out maintenance on the A36 Deptford to the Crockerton Roundabout.

This includes repairs and surveys of the road surface, vegetation clearance, and barrier repairs.

• Closure information

The A36 will be fully closed between Deptford Interchange and the Crockerton Roundabout from 9pm to 5am on Monday 15, Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 July, with work finishing at 5am on Thursday 18 July.

A diversion will be in place in both directions via the A350 and A303.

Access will be maintained for properties with direct access off the A36 during the closures. Where possible, noisy work will be completed in the early evening so that overnight noise is kept to a minimum.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

The A36 is the most direct route from Bath to Southampton. It's mainly single carriageway and runs for approximately 63 miles through various villages, towns and cities. Parts of the route date back to Roman times.

Following cracking in the southbound section of the footpath running between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Coombe, we’ll be carrying out carriageway repairs and stabilisation work between August 2024 and spring 2025. The extent of the cracking lies within the Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire boundaries. 

Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

Previous updates:

A36 Limpley Stoke - March 2022 update

A36 Limpley Stoke - February 2023 update

We’re making improvements to the surface and repainting the road markings on the A36 between Plaitford and Ower. 

This will provide a quieter and smoother road surface while improving safety for drivers.

We’ll carry out this work weeknights between 8pm and 6am, when there is less traffic on the road. During the day the road will be open as usual.

Closure information

There will be temporary traffic lights on short sections of the A36 between East Wellow and Plaitford weeknights (8pm to 6am) from Monday 2 to Wednesday 18 September. Access will be maintained to all properties.

Where possible, noisy work will be completed in the early evening so that overnight noise is kept to a minimum.

The A36 southbound approach to the M27 from the Ower Roundabout will then be closed at night (8pm to 6am) on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Monday 23 September.

A diversion will be in place via the A36 Romsey Road and A326.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

We’re improving the drainage on the A38 at Notter Bridge.

This will maintain and improve safety for everyone, while reducing the need for unplanned closures.

We’re also going to take the opportunity to carry out maintenance on the barriers and road surface, and clear vegetation.

We’ll be using a mix of lane and overnight closures, starting on Monday 2 September. It will take us around three months.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

Closure information

You’ll notice us working by the A38 at Notter Bridge from Monday 2 September.

The A38 will then be closed between Landrake and Notter Bridge from 8pm Wednesday 4 September to 6am Thursday 5 September. A diversion will be in place via Liskeard and Callington. For larger vehicles, please follow diversion route via Bodmin, Launceston and Callington.

A38 Notter Bridge diversion

A38 Notter Bridge HGV diversion

Access will be maintained for anyone with direct access off the A38 within the closures. Please approach the closure gate for an escort.

When the road reopens on Thursday morning, both east and westbound traffic will use the westbound carriageway in a contraflow. This means there will be no overtaking lane between Landrake and Notter Bridge

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.

We’ll need some overnight closures as our work progresses to allow us to move the contraflow, ensuring we can work across the full width of the carriageway. The next closures are currently planned for overnight on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October. We’ll post more details here and on social media channels.

We’re refreshing the road markings and replacing the cat's eyes along the A38.

We’ll carry out this work in phases with short section of carriageway closed weeknights.

During the day the road will be open as usual.

Latest closure information – all closures are between 8pm and 6am

• Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 September: the westbound A38 will be closed between Smithaleigh and Ford Farm, including the exit at Westover. Diversion via the B3213.
  
  
• Thursday 12 & Friday 13 September: the westbound A38 will be closed between Voss Farm and Smithaleigh, including the Smithaleigh entry, the Voss Farm junction and the Deeplane exit.
• Diversion for 12 September: we’ll have a convoy system on the A38 meaning the road is still open between Smithaleigh and Voss Farm, but you will be taken past the working area behind a traffic vehicle at a reduced speed.  The Smithaleigh entry will be closed – follow signs.
• Diversion for 13 September: we’ll have a convoy system on the A38 meaning the road is still open between Smithaleigh and Voss Farm. The Smithaleigh entry, the Voss Farm junction and the Deep Lane exit will be closed, please follow signs.
  
  
• Monday 16 September: the eastbound A38 will be closed between Dartbridge and Peartree, including the Peartree Cross exit. Diversion via B3352.
  
  
• Tuesday 17 September: the eastbound A38 will be closed between Peartree and Clay Lane including the Peartree entry slip. Diversion via B3352.
  
  
• Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 September: the westbound A38 will be closed between Goodstone and Ashburton including the exits at Caton Cross, Alston Cross and Linhay. Diversion via A383.
  
  
• Monday 7 to Thursday 10 October: the westbound A38 will be closed between Harcombe and Drumbridges, including the Drumbridges exit. Diversion via B3344, B3139, A380, A383 and A382.

We'll then continue to work our way along the A38. We’ll be posting the latest information about where we’re working here.

We’re replacing the Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) on the A38 at the Menheniot junction at Lower Clicker. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone who uses the junction.

We’ll be using a mix of lane and overnight closures to safely carry out the work, starting on Monday 23 September. It will take around six months.

Closure information

• Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 September: there will be overnight lane closures on the eastbound A38 at the Menheniot junction between 8pm and 6am.
  
  
• Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 September: the first exit to the B3251 on the westbound carriageway and a lane on the westbound carriageway will be closed overnight 9pm to 6am. A diversion will be in place using the other B3251 exit.
  
  
• Monday 7 October to Friday 1 November: a lane will be closed 24/7 on the eastbound carriageway between the junction with the B3252 and Lower Clicker Road. There will also be a reduced speed limit in place for safety.
  
  
• Monday 4 November to Friday 6 December: the first exit to the B3251 on the westbound carriageway, and a lane on the westbound carriageway, will be closed weeknights 9pm to 6am. A diversion will be in place using the other B3251 exit.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. As our work progresses, there will be some full closures of the A38. These are currently due to start on at the end of January 2025. We’ll provide more information here.  

Access will be maintained for anyone with direct access off the A38 within the closures.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

Update 25 June - the planned surveys were partially completed on Sunday 23 June. However, due to unforeseen circumstances at the survey location will need to return at a later date to complete the survey. Once confirmed, we’ll provide more information here and contact local residents.

We’ll not be using our contingency shift on Sunday 30 June for this work.

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We’ll soon be carrying out routine inspections and surveys of the cliff faces along the A38 Glynn Valley.

We normally complete this type of work overnight, however on this occasion we have to complete the surveys in daylight. As the road will be need to be closed to keep everyone safe, we’ll be doing the work in June when the days are longer. We’ll start at 4am and get the road reopened as soon as possible, by 10am at the latest.

• Closure information

Sunday 23 June, 4am to 10am: the A38 will be closed between Turfdown Cross and Twelvewoods roundabout (at the junction with the A390 at Dobwalls). 

If we are unable to complete our work on the date above, we’ll also have the road closed on Sunday 30 June from 4am to 10am. We’ll post more details here. 

Access will be maintained for residents. 

A38 Glynn Valley will be closed overnight for routine maintenance from 8.30pm in the evening to 6am the following morning:

2024

• 18 to 22 March
• 18 to 22 November

2025

• 17 to 21 March
• 17 to 21 November

Please note these dates may be subject to change.

When overnight closures are in place, please use the following diversion:

Saltash Tunnel will be closed overnight for routine maintenance from 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning:

2024

• January 9, 10 and 11
• April 9, 10 and 11
• July 9, 10 and 11
• October 8, 9 and 10

2025

• January 7, 8 and 9
• April 8, 9 and 10
• July 8, 9 and 10
• October 7, 8 and 9

Please note these dates may be subject to change.

UPDATE: April 2024

• Due to unforeseen circumstances which have led to changes in our programme of work, we're now expecting to complete these works in May rather than March, as originally published.

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As part of our commitment to safety and air quality, we will shortly begin works to permanently reduce the speed limit between Saltash Tunnel and Carkeel roundabout, from 70mph to 50mph. Average speed cameras will be installed to enforce the 30 mph through the tunnel and we’ll also install average speed cameras on the diversion route through Saltash (the B3271, North Road).

This stretch of the A38 is prone to a high number of shunts and near misses as motorists try to reduce speed on the approach to the tunnel or roundabout. Reducing the speed limit will improve safety and alleviate the need for heavy braking, which in turn should improve air quality.

This is part of a larger package of work affecting Saltash Tunnel, we’ll write with further details nearer the time.

Traffic management

We’ll work overnight Monday to Friday when traffic flows are lowest. Work will take place from 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning.

• 18 to 30 September – overnight closures of Saltash tunnel
• 2 to 24 October – overnight closures of Saltash tunnel and up to Carkeel roundabout
• 25 October to 7 November – overnight 2-way traffic lights will be in place on the B3271/North Road

We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes.

Please note: all enquiries should be directed to National Highways, and not to Tamar Bridge which is independently owned and operated by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Councils.

We’ll soon be carrying out resurfacing and improvements on the A40 between Long Hope and Lea, where the road runs from Gloucester to Ross-on-Wye.

Closure information

The A40 will be closed between Lea and Forest Gate from 8pm Friday 20 September to 6am Saturday 21 September.

Diversions and access

If you’re going westbound, a diversion will be in place for non-motorway drivers from the Highnam Roundabout, using the A40, A417, A449 to the Over Ross Roundabout. For motorway drivers, you’ll be diverted from the Highnam Roundabout on the A40, A417, M50 and A449 to join the A40 at the Over Ross Roundabout.

If you’re going eastbound, please follow route in reverse.

Access will be maintained for residents within the closure, but you will not be able to pass through the section of road between Barrel Lane, Long Hope, and Lea Lines in Lea. This means for access east of Barrel Lane, please approach from Forest Gate direction. For west of Lea Lines, please approach from Lea direction.

Anyone needing access between Barrel Lane and Lea Lines, please approach the closure gate and the site team will escort you to your property.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

We’re carrying out maintenance on the A417 and A419. This work is essential to keep the concrete carriageway safe and reliable for drivers.

This work will be carried out in phases during weekends to minimise disruption.

Closure information

There will be full weekend closures, from 8pm on Friday until 6am on Monday, on the following:

• Friday 30 August to Monday 2 September: A417 northbound closed between Burford Road Interchange and Quarry Interchange
  
  
• Friday 6 September to Monday 9 September: A419 northbound closed between Spine Road junction and Burford Road Interchange
  
  
• Friday 13 September to Monday 16 September: A419 southbound closed between Burford Road Interchange and Spine Road junction
  
  
• Friday 20 September to Monday 23 September: A419 southbound closed between Spine Road junction and Lady Lane junction.
  
  
• Friday 27 September to Monday 30 September: A419 closed between Turnpike junction and Spine Road junction

Please follow signed diversions.

We’re carrying out resurfacing and repairs an the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. 

Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

We’re carrying out resurfacing and repairs on the M4 between junctions 17 and 19. 

Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

We’re carrying out essential repairs and improvements to St Georges Bridge that carries the M5 over the railway near junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare.

Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

On Tuesday 10 September, we’ll be carrying out maintenance on the M5 northbound. The road will be closed between junctions 26 (Wellington) and 25 (Taunton) from 9pm to 6am.

Diversion via A38.

We’re carrying out surveys and investigations on the bridge that carries the M5 over Hollywood Lane near junction 17 to help plan for future maintenance.

We’ll need to close the road under the motorway at night to safely carry out our work, starting on Thursday 19 September. It will take up to 10 nights.

Closure information

From Thursday 19 to Saturday 28 September, Hollywood Lane where it passes under the M5 near junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway, Bristol) will be closed between 8pm and 6am each night.

Diversion routes will be in place for northbound traffic using the A4018 (Cribbs Causeway), B4055 and Bow Street Lane. Southbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse.

Access will be maintained to properties on both sides of the motorway, but you will not be able to pass under the road at this point during the closures.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey.

We’re carrying out essential repairs to the concrete that makes up the base layer of M5 around junction 27 near Willand.

Please visit our dedicated webpage for more information.