Project to refurbish Torpoint Ferry traffic light gantries to begin in mid June
6 June 2024
A 12 week project to refurbish the traffic light gantries at the Torpoint ferry is due to begin on 17 June. The work, which is being funded by Tamar Crossings and Cornwall Council, will be carried out in two phases with a break during the school summer holiday period.
The steel gantries, which span the queuing lanes over the A374 at Torpoint and the traffic marshalling area at Devonport, contain the equipment and traffic lights used to control and monitor traffic into the queuing lanes and then subsequently onto the ferry slipways on both sides of the river.
Following a survey which found that extensive areas of the protective topcoat on each structure were severely weathered, it was decided to recoat the gantries at the first available opportunity to minimise the risk of corrosion and maximise the life of the structure.
The work can only be carried out during fair weather due to the surface preparation and curing requirements of the topcoats. Following consultation with key partners it was agreed to begin work after Tamar II returns from its refit to provide a three-ferry service to minimise disruption. This is currently planned for 19 June. Preliminary works will be carried out from Monday, 17 June, with the contractors expected on site later in the week once the three ferry service is in place.
The first two weeks of each phase will involve the introduction of the traffic management measures and the removal of equipment from each of the gantries. All equipment will be inspected, serviced or, where applicable, replaced.
Work will then take place to prepare and recoat the structural surfaces, rehouse cables and return the equipment before the power is reconnected. Following final checks, inspections and testing of systems, the lane restrictions will be lifted and the gantries will return to full operation.
The first phase – Devonport Gantries – will take place between 17 June and 26 July 2024. There will be restricted queuing capacity for the full period as designated queuing lanes will be closed to provide access and ensure safe working areas for contractors operating mobile elevated work platforms.
Traffic signals will not be in operation during the works and traffic will be managed manually by ferry staff. This will involve marshalling staff sited at the front and rear of queuing lanes to direct traffic and co-ordinate call forward for loading to each of the ferries.
Whilst we recognise that the reduction in queuing capacity in the lanes is likely to create increased congestion in the immediate vicinity of the works, and potentially impact on the wider local road network at certain times, these measures are essential to provide access for the works and manage the safety of the public.
We will be working closely with contractors and key stakeholders, including Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council and Torpoint Town Council, transport providers and emergency services throughout the project to keep disruption to a minimum.
This phase is not anticipated to impact on traffic at Torpoint.
The second phase – Torpoint Gantries – is currently programmed to take place between 4 September and 11 October.
Traffic will also be managed manually throughout the whole of this phase and lane queuing capacity will be severely restricted.