Work finishing on first phase of A386 scheme

WORK is expected to finish this week on the first phase of a £45m upgrade of one of Plymouth’s busiest roads - on budget and with only a slight delay.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

The ambitious Woolwell to The George Transport Scheme was started in September 2024 and has been blamed for causing gridlock on the busy A386.

But from yesterday, work was due to start to open up roads and ease traffic - described as a “milestone” moment - and enforcement cameras will soon be removed.

Today, signals will be tested at the new Tavistock Road/Woolwell Crescent junction. This will involve opening the junction fully and allowing traffic from Woolwell to turn right onto Tavistock Road and travel north for the first time, without needing to use Woolwell Roundabout.

This will be closely monitored and once the testing is complete, cones and all other traffic management will start to be removed.

Final tasks such as the remaining surfacing and road marking works are subject to weather conditions but Plymouth City Council said it hopes all traffic management will be lifted by the end of this week.

At that point, the temporary ban of the right turn at Woolwell Roundabout into Woolwell Road will be lifted, meaning vehicles heading to Woolwell will no longer be diverted up to the Belliver (Plessey) Roundabout. The enforcement camera at the roundabout will be turned off and the exit from Woolwell Road onto Woolwell Roundabout will revert to “give-way”.