Major A road used by 170,000 drivers a day to CLOSE for urgent roadworks
A MAJOR A-road has shut down overnight for works set to last nearly two weeks.
The A38 in Cornwall is currently closed overnight, with National Highways confirming the closure is to "improve safety" along the busy stretch.
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National Highways is carrying out work between St Neot at Carnglaze Caverns junction and Dobwalls at the Twelvewoods roundabout.
The highways agency has said it aims to improve safety and reduce the need for unplanned closures down the line.
The A38 will be closed in both directions from Twelvewoods to Turfdown Roundabout every weeknight from 8.30pm to 6am.
The closure began on Tuesday, May 6, and will run through to Friday, May 16.
The road remains open as usual during the day and weekends.
National Highways said overnight closures are when traffic is lightest - meaning disruption is kept to a minimum.
Access to properties within the closure area will be maintained, with residents told to speak to the site team to be escorted through the works.
Signed diversions are also in place, and drivers are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
All light vehicles heading east or west will be sent through Lostwithiel.
HGVs heading westbound will use the same route.
But eastbound HGVs over 20 tonnes will face a longer diversion via the A30 to Launceston, before joining the A390 and reconnecting with the A38 at Carkeel Roundabout.
First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY
Access to Bodmin Parkway Station will be kept open via Turfdown Roundabout.
National Highways said the work is weather-dependent, meaning poor conditions could extend the closure period.
It comes as residents in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, are facing nearly half a year of diversions in order to facilitate key gas works.
Gas distribution company SGN's project will involve replacing 2.2 miles of gain mains on Upper Grosvenor Road and kicked off earlier today.
SGN said: "It's part of a 30-year programme to replace our old metal mains reaching the end of their useful lives with new plastic pipe."
The gas network upgrades were approved to ensure a safer and more efficient supply for residents, they added.
Clear diversion signs will be in place to guide motorists, and local vehicle access will be maintained throughout the works.
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