Saltash tunnel upgrade hits a new milestone

WORK HAS NOW ENTERED ITS MOST 'SIGNIFICANT' PHASE

- By LEWIS CLARKE

A MAJOR £25 million upgrade to the Saltash Tunnel has entered its most significant phase, with National Highways pushing ahead with essential technology installations to bring the 37-year-old structure up to modern standards.

The scheme, which began in January, has already seen extensive civil engineering completed, including the installation of new gantries, concrete piling, and the removal of outdated systems. Now, engineers are focusing on installing and connecting 31 miles of new cabling, 70% of which has already been laid between the tunnel, Tamar Bridge and control buildings.

Julian Mitchell, tunnel manager at National Highways, described the works as a “generational” overhaul designed to improve safety, traffic flow and air quality.