Tavistock Road traffic warning with emergency closures this weekend

The first of three weekends in the next five where emergency work to upgrade gas pipes on Tavistock Road in Plymouth starts today. The work is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people safe and warm for generations to come.

As part of the work, the gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Plymouth City Council, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place during three weekends. But while the Wales and West Utilities works are carried out, motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel.

Restrictions will be in place this weekend. Further works are to be carried out on August 5-6 and then August 19-20.

15–16 July / 5-6 August:

· Two lanes will be shut for inbound traffic towards Plymouth, from the junction of Charlton Road to the slip lane of Plumer Road

· The outside lane, from the slip road of Budshead Road to the slip road of William Prance Road, will be closed to outbound traffic

· The bus lanes will be in use for motorists

19 – 20 August

· Two lanes will be closed in the outbound direction towards Tavistock, from the slip road of Budshead Road to the slip road of William Prance Road.

Wales & West Utilities Paul Taylor is managing this work. He said: “ This is emergency work and we have liaised closely with the Highways team at Plymouth City Council to plan the most appropriate way of working

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the Plymouth area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”