Both cantilever lanes have been closed to allow for a range of tasks to be carried out on each lane simultaneously. Working on one cantilever at a time would add an additional 8 weeks to the overall length of the project.

Phase 1 is currently programmed to last until end of July. The North cantilever will then be returned as a general traffic lane for the remainder of the project. At the same time South cantilever will be opened to westbound traffic.

Unfortunately, the cantilevers cannot be re-opened during this period as, once the existing surfacing material has been removed, we are unable to run traffic on the lane until the new surface has been laid.

It would also take too long to remove the traffic management, plant, equipment and the labour force to be useful.

The contractor is required to maintain a minimum 3 lanes during peak periods throughout the project. This will enable them work most efficiently, particularly when they move on to the main deck works.

We recognise that this will be a difficult period for our customers, and we are doing everything within our control to minimise the impact of the works. We are continually monitoring the traffic flows across the bridge and taking action to address any specific issues. We are also ensuring that all toll booths are open during busy periods.

Unfortunately there is no perfect time to undertake this essential work. We had originally scheduled the works to begin in April, however our contractor VolkerLaser required a later start date to ensure that all its specialist equipment and workforce were in place before work began on resurfacing the deck, and traffic restrictions were introduced.

Postponing the start date to after half term would have inevitably led to concerns about other potential timing issues. Carrying out the resurfacing is essential work that needs to be completed this summer and while we have the highest chances of dry, mild weather.

We recognise that this will be a difficult period for our customers, and we are doing everything within our control to minimise the impact of the works. We are continually monitoring the traffic flows across the bridge and taking action to address any specific issues. We are also ensuring that all toll booths are open during busy periods.

We have kept the emergency services informed throughout the planning of these works to try and minimise the impact on the vital services they deliver.

While it is not possible to offer dedicated emergency routes across the bridge, we do liaise closely with the emergency services at both crossings to try and ensure their passage is as quick as possible. All emergency services are able to call the bridge control room to request assistance should they require it.

Additionally, we would expect other drivers to react by moving aside to provide space when they see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching where possible.

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are funded entirely from the tolls paid by people using the crossings on a “user pays” principle. The crossings do not receive any financial support from either the Government or the parent authorities – Cornwall Council or Plymouth City Council. This means that if tolls are suspended for a period, we would have to charge more later to make up the deficit.

While the original cost of building the Tamar Bridge was repaid many years ago, the tolls are used to meet the costs of the ongoing operation, maintenance and improvement of the two crossings. Information on how the money received by Tamar Crossings is spent is published on the Tamar Crossings website https://www.tamarcrossings.org.uk/about-us/statement-of-accounts/