South West - Maintenance schemes

We recognise the environmental value of trees. We manage our trees through their whole lifecycle, to control safety risk and optimise the environmental value provided by trees. 

In the South West we manage a large estate including significant areas of woodland by the side of our roads. Our tree specialists carry out regular inspections for safety and general woodland management. 

We also have a legal obligation to ensure our strategic road network remains safe to road users and the trees in our care do not pose a hazard to adjacent property. Where possible we will make trees safe, and as a last resort remove dead or dying trees when advised to do so by our specialists. 

Ash dieback is significant across the South West region. It has spread rapidly to the trees alongside our roads over recent years. 

Regrettably, surveys by our specialists have found dry conditions and increased temperatures have increased stress on already diseased trees and many ash trees are deteriorating quickly. A large proportion are now dead or dying and pose a potential safety risk, leaving us with no alternative other than to make them safe or remove them. 

Over the coming months, we'll remove or make safe ash trees identified for urgent action. We'll also be replanting trees in some locations. 

We'll be removing and replanting in the following locations: 

• A303 both directions between Horton, near Illminster, and the A303 Junction with the A350, near Chicklade. 
• A38 between the Turfdown roundabout, near Coleslogget Halt, and the Saltash junction with the B3271 
• A38 between the Plymouth Tamar Bridge roundabout and Kennford Exeter. 

The tree work will start on Monday 6 January and will last approximately 12 weeks. 

Traffic management will include a combination of lanes closures and complete carriageway closures depending on the work taking place. If needed, diversion routes will be fully signposted. 

The work will take place on weekdays only. 

Ash dieback is a national issue and more information from the Forestry Commission can be found here.

Tree Council - Ash dieback a tree owners guide

Work

We will shortly be replacing the temporary barriers on the A30 at Plusha and installing a new, stronger barrier system. We will also be carrying out kerbing, improving road signs and painting new road markings. This is not the final, permanent solution for this stretch of road, but it will help improve safety for road users.

Closures and diversions

To carry out this work safely we will need the following traffic management in place:

From 8pm on Sunday 16 March until 6am on Monday 17 March.

• The A30 westbound will be closed for one night between Kennards House and Five Lanes. 
• Westbound through traffic will be diverted via the A395 on to the A39. Then join the A389 towards Bodmin before rejoining the A30.

From 8pm on Sunday 16 March for five days.

• Eastbound traffic will not be able to turn right at Plusha towards Callington via the B3257.
• The central reservation crossover will be closed 24/7 for those five days.
• Well signed diversions will be in place, via Kennards House junction.

From Monday 17 until Friday 28 March, inclusive.

• Lane restrictions will be in place 24/7 along the A30 between Two Bridges and Five Lanes.
• One lane will remain open in each direction for the duration of the works.
• Slip roads will remain open. 

The current 50mph speed restriction will remain in place for the duration of these works. It will return to 70mph once works are complete. 

As with any project, dates are subject to change. This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

We'll do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

In September 2024, we unveiled plans to implement a suite of safety measures along the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes and we’re currently reviewing all feedback received.

We’re upgrading a number of weather stations on our road network to maintain safety and improve the journey for road users. We use roadside weather stations to collect information like road temperature and atmospheric conditions.

As part of these upgrades, the A30 eastbound entry slip road at Sourton Down will be closed overnight (8pm – 6am) from Monday 3 March – Friday 7 March. One lane will also be closed on the A30 eastbound. 

A well-signed diversion route will be in place:

• Light vehicles: eastbound diversion via the A386, Okehampton, B3260 before rejoining the eastbound carriageway at Combe Head
• HGVs: eastbound diversion via the A386, A3072, A3124 Okehampton, B3260 before rejoining the eastbound carriageway at Whiddon Down 

The slip road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

We will also be returning to the site on various dates to finish our works and to ensure the technology is working as it should.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. 

Work

We’re resurfacing the A30 between Pennygillam to Two Bridges. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road. 

Due to poor weather conditions over the Winter, we now have some additional shifts planned to complete the works. 

Closures and diversions

We’ll be carrying out this work via overnight closures (from 8pm and 6am), when there is less traffic on the road. The A30 will be open as usual during the day:

Saturday 8 March

• westbound entry slip at Pennygillam closed overnight.

Traffic will be diverted via:

• the eastbound A30 and go to the Tavistock Rd exit, where you can join the westbound carriageway.

We’ll be using a convoy system on the A30. This means the A30 is still open, but you will be taken past the working area behind a traffic vehicle at a reduced speed. 

• overnight closure of the A30 westbound exit slip at Trebursye. 

Traffic will be diverted via:

• the A30 to leave at the westbound exit slip at Kennards House. 

There will also be a further overnight closure of the A30 westbound entry slip at Kennards House. This date is yet to be confirmed. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

If we experience further poor weather we may have to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

We’re refreshing road markings and replacing cat's eyes along the A303.

Due to poor weather conditions last year, we need to finish off some of our works. We’ll carry out this work in phases with short sections of carriageway closed weeknights (8pm to 6am). During the day, and at weekends, the road will be open as usual.

The following closures are scheduled to take place:

Monday 24 February: Westbound closure for one night between Sparkford and Ilchester. 

Diversion via A359, Marston Magna, Yeovill, A37, rejoining A303 at Ilchester interchange

Monday 24 February: Westbound closure for one night from Ilchester to A356. 

Diversion via A37, Yeovil, W Coker Road, Watercombe Lane and then the A3088. 

From Tuesday 25 February for three nights: Eastbound closure for three nights between Ilchester roundabout and Podimore Road junction. 

Diversion via A303 westbound, A37, Yeovil and then the A359.

Well signed diversions will be in place. 

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. 

We’re upgrading a number of weather stations on our road network to maintain safety and improve the journey for road users. We use roadside weather stations to collect information like road temperature and atmospheric conditions.

As part of these upgrades, one lane of the eastbound carriageway of the A303 at Ilchester will be closed overnight (8pm – 6am) until Friday 7 March. 

There will also be a full eastbound overnight closure between Cartgate Roundabout and the A37 Ilchester junction for one night in March. The exact date of this closure is to be confirmed and will be shared in due course.

The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

A well signed diversion route will be in place for the one night full eastbound closure.

We'll also return to the site on various dates to finish our works and to ensure the technology is working as it should.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website.

We’re resurfacing the A303 between Newtown and Stopgate Cross This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road. It will also reduce the need for any unplanned closures.

We’ll be carrying out this work via full weekend closures. This is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road. 

Access will be maintained to properties directly within the closure. Please speak to the site team to be escorted through the works.

Upcoming weekend closure

The main resurfacing works have been undertaken via full weekend closures. 

Due to poor weather conditions earlier this year, additional dates have been added for us to finish the works. 

The upcoming weekend closure of the A303 will be between Stopgate Cross and Newtown. The teams will be working 24/7. The road will be closed on the following dates:

• From 8pm on Friday 28 February until 6am on Monday 3 March.

Diversion information

A well signed diversion will be in place in both directions via Stooper’s Hill, Combe Beacon Lane and the A30.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

We will do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

We need to improve the stability of the ground on a short section of the A303 at Newcott. 

Our work will keep this busy section of road safe and reduce the need for unplanned closures.

We'll working Monday – Friday daytime (8am – 6pm) from Monday 20 January until Thursday 13 March.

Temporary traffic lights 

20 January to 14 February

For safety while we work, we'll use temporary traffic lights from Monday 20 January until Friday 14 February.

The lights will operate each week from 8am Monday morning until 6pm Friday afternoon.

The road will be open as usual at weekends. 

17 February to 13 March

We'll use temporary traffic lights from time to time on the eastbound carriageway.

This will allow our vehicles to leave the site safely. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

We’re resurfacing the A36 at Warminster between Warminster Services and Cley Hill Roundabout. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road. It will also reduce the need for any unplanned closures.

We’ll be carrying out this work overnight, Monday to Friday between 8pm - 6am. This is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road. 

The A36 will be closed weeknights from 11 to 18 March, in both directions, between Warminster Services and Cley Hill Roundabout. The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

Access will be maintained to properties directly within the closure. Please speak to the site team to be escorted through the works. 

Diversion information

Well signed diversions will be in place in both directions:

Light vehicles

Northbound traffic 

• Head West on the A352 / A362 towards Frome
• Join the A361 northbound towards Beckington
• Rejoin the A36 and travel east to access Warminster services / A350 

Southbound traffic 

• In reverse 

HGVs

Northbound traffic 

• HGVs will be directed off at Deverill Road / A350 to head south along the A350
• Join the A303 westbound towards Wincanton, exiting at Wincanton to join the A371
• Follow A371 towards Castle Cary
• Follow diversion signage at Shepton Mallett to take Fosse Lane and join A361 EB towards Frome / Beckington
• Rejoin the A36 and travel east to access Warminster services / A350 

Southbound traffic 

• In reverse

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

We'll do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website.

Work

We’re laying a high friction (also known as anti-skid) road surface on the A36 between Wilton and Bemerton. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road. 

Closure

We’ll be carrying out this work over three nights from Monday 17 March until Thursday 20 March (8pm to 6am). This is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road. 

The enable the teams to safely complete the works, the A36 will be closed overnight in both directions between Wilton and Bemerton. The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

Access will be maintained to properties directly within the closure. Please speak to the site team to be escorted through the works. 

Diversion 

Well signed diversions will be in place in both directions:

• The main diversion route will be via the A360 and The Avenue. Signs will be in place from St Paul’s roundabout in Salisbury. 
• A local diversion route for access to and from Quidhampton will be via the A3094, New Bridge Road, the A338 Churchill Way S, A36 Churchill Way E, A36 Churchill Way N and the A36 Churchill Way W.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

We will do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

We’re upgrading a number of weather stations on our road network to maintain safety and improve the journey for road users. We use roadside weather stations to collect information like road temperature and atmospheric conditions.

As part of these upgrades, the A38 eastbound entry slip road at Buckfastleigh will be closed overnight (8pm – 6am) on Wednesday 5 March.

A well signed diversion route will be in place:

• Head South on B3380 / Dartbridge Road
• Take first right at junction towards Ashburton / Princetown
• Continue along local authority road until reaching the junction at B3352, then turn right
• Take the first exit onto A38 towards Exeter / Newton Abbot 

The slip road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

We'll also return to the site on various dates to finish our works and to ensure the technology is working as it should.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. 

We will be resurfacing the A38 between Turfdown roundabout and Bodmin Parkway and carrying out routine maintenance along the A38 between Turfdown Cross and Twelvewoods roundabout (at the junction with the A390 at Dobwalls). 

We have decided to combine these essential works to minimise disruption on our road network. The work is also being carried out overnight when there is less traffic on our roads. 

Resurfacing work 

We’ll be carrying out this work between Turfdown roundabout and Bodmin Parkway on weeknights from Monday 3 March until Thursday 20 March, between 8.30pm and 6am. The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends. 

Maintenance work 

We’ll be carrying out routine maintenance between Turfdown Cross and Twelvewoods roundabout on weeknights from Monday 17 March until Saturday 22 March, between 8.30pm and 6am. The road will be open as usual during the day. 

Diversion 

Signposted diversion routes will be in place throughout the closures.

All light vehicles travelling both eastbound and westbound will be diverted via Lostwithiel. HGVs travelling westbound will also be diverted via this route. 

HGVs over 20 tonnes travelling eastbound will be diverted via the A30 to Launceston and then onto the A390 to rejoin the A38 at Carkeel roundabout. 

Access to Bodmin Parkway Station, and properties within the closure 

Access to Bodmin Parkway Station will be maintained throughout the works. However, traffic management will be in place overnight. This includes a diversion route for a number of nights: 

03 March to 12 March (excluding weekends) 

Drivers needing to enter or exit Bodmin Parkway station overnight will be escorted past the working area behind a traffic vehicle at a reduced speed.  

13, 14 and 17 March 

Due to this phase of works taking place on a very narrow stretch of road, we need to ensure the safety of our workers and the traveling public.

Drivers needing to enter or exit Bodmin Parkway station overnight on these dates will need to use a diversion via Lostwithiel. Buses traveling to and from Bodmin Parkway from Turfdown Roundabout will not be diverted. 

18 to 22 March 

Drivers needing to enter or exit Bodmin Parkway station overnight will be escorted past the working area behind a traffic vehicle at a reduced speed.  

Access will be maintained to properties within the closure. 

Please plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your journeys.   

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above.   

View diversion routes map.

We’re replacing the Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) on the A38 at the Menheniot junction at Lower Clicker. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone who uses the junction.

We’ll be using a mix of lane and overnight closures to safely carry out the work, starting on Monday 23 September. It will take around six months.

Closure information

• Monday 4 November to Friday 6 December: the first exit to the B3251 on the westbound carriageway, and a lane on the westbound carriageway, will be closed weeknights 9pm to 6am. A diversion will be in place using the other B3251 exit.

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. As our work progresses, there will be some full closures of the A38. These are currently due to start on at the end of January 2025. We’ll provide more information here.  

Access will be maintained for anyone with direct access off the A38 within the closures.

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

You'll find more information ion this scheme on our page Safety schemes in the South West region.

We're carrying out structural inspections and surveys on the M32 at junction 2 the Eastville viaduct.  

These surveys are assessing the current condition of the motorway to help identify any future work that may be required. These types of surveys are done routinely on our structures up and down the country.  

The survey work started on the underside of the viaduct in November 2024. From mid-January 2025 we'll need to carry out surveys on the topside of the structure, on the carriageway of the M32 and on the entry and exit slip roads at junction 2. This work will take approximately seven weeks. 

To carry out these surveys safely a number of carriageway and slip road closures will be required at the junction. 

Most of the closures will take place overnight between the hours of 8pm and 6am. 

Please note that these dates could be subject to change. Any updates will be shared on this webpage. 

We apologise for any disruption caused and thank you for your patience. 

Diversion routes will be in place and well signposted throughout. 

Closures include:  

A small section of Stapleton Road 

A small section of Stapleton Road under the M32 at J2 will be closed for two nights on Wednesday 15 January and Thursday 16 January 2025. 

M32 southbound between J1 and J3 

The M32 southbound between junctions 1 and 3 will be closed for two nights on Sunday 19 January and Monday 20 January 2025. 

The Muller Road southbound entry and exit slip roads

The southbound entry and exit slip roads and the M32 southbound Lane 1 will be closed for 17 nights (weekday nights only) from Tuesday 21 January to Wednesday 12 February 2025. 

M32 northbound between J1 and J3

The M32 northbound between junctions 1 and 3 will be closed for two nights on Thursday 13 February and Sunday 16 February 2025. 

The Muller Road northbound entry and exit slip roads   

The northbound entry and exit slip roads and the M32 northbound Lane 1 will be closed for 16 nights (weekday nights only) from Monday 17 February to Monday 10 March 2025.

Work

We’re resurfacing the eastbound exit slip road at junction 15 of the M4. This will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road. It will also reduce the need for any unplanned closures.

Closure

We’ll be carrying out this work over three nights starting on Monday 10 March between 8pm - 6am. This is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road. 

The exit slip will be closed overnight during these works. The slip road will be open as usual during the day and at the weekend.

Diversion information

A well signed diversion will be in place: 

• Continue eastbound on the M4 towards J14
• Exit at J14 and head back westbound on M4 towards J15

This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress. If we’re unable to complete our work as planned, we may need to continue beyond the dates stated above. 

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

We will do all that we can to keep disruption to a minimum. However, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

We’re currently upgrading a number of weather stations on our road network to maintain safety and improve the journey for road users. We use roadside weather stations to collect information like road temperature and atmospheric conditions.

As part of these upgrades, the following works will be taking place overnight on the northbound carriageway of the M5 at Whitminster. This is just north of junction 13:

17 February – 11 March

The hard shoulder and lane 1 northbound will be closed overnight (Monday to Friday from 8pm – 6am). 

3 March

The southbound hard shoulder will be closed overnight from (8pm – 6am).  

Friday 7 March

There will be one lane open overnight northbound from (8pm – 6am). 

All northbound traffic will initially use the hard shoulder before being moved to lane 3. During this switch, traffic may be held for a few minutes. 

The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.

We will be returning to the site on various dates to finish our works and to ensure the technology is working as it should.

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. 

We’re carrying out routine inspections of ten bridges and eight sign gantries that span this busy stretch of road. 

To keep road users and our teams safe, the M5 will be closed overnight in both directions between J28 and J30 on:

Monday 03 March and Tuesday 04 March (9pm – 6am). 

Well signed diversions will be in place:

• Southbound traffic will exit at J28 and use the B3181, Cumberland Way, Moor Lane and then rejoin the M5 at J30
• Northbound traffic will exit at J30 and use Moor Lane, Cumberland Way, B3181 and rejoin the M5 at J28

Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. 

The works will take place overnight as this is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road. The M5 will be open as usual during the day. 

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.