Road Closed for Nearly a Month: Major A391 Disruption Set for May

Drivers warned as St Austell route shuts 24/7 with diversions, clearways and noise expected

Major resurfacing work is set to close the A391 in St Austell from 6th to 30th May, with 24-hour closures in place as Cornwall Council carries out essential improvements to road safety and surface conditions.

The North East Distributor road will be shut day and night throughout the period, with diversions in place and clearway zones enforced on surrounding roads.

Roundabout access and local diversions

Between 6th and 14th May, there will still be access across Bethel, Boscoppa and Carclaze roundabouts between 7am and 7pm. Access will also remain open from Scredda roundabout to the industrial estate throughout the full closure.

Signs will be installed at major junctions to divert non-through traffic, while variable message signs (VMS) will be in place on the A30 and A390 to alert drivers of the closure.

Parking restrictions and clearway zones

To keep traffic flowing during the closure, a clearway zone will be in place on Treverbyn Road, Slades Road, Tregonissey Road and Truro Road starting 6th May.

Parking will not be allowed on these roads from Monday to Friday during the following times:

• 7:30am – 9:30am

• 2:30pm – 6pm

Cornwall Council has said that households and businesses affected by these restrictions will receive further information later this month. Signs will also be put up to alert drivers of the new parking rules.

Additional clearway zones could be introduced if necessary.

Bus services and emergency access

Bus companies and emergency services have been informed of the closure and will make alternative arrangements. Details on any changes to bus services will be shared on the Cornwall Council website.

What’s being done?

According to Bryan Skinner, Cornwall Council’s Head of Transport and Environment:

“We need to resurface the A391 to improve road safety and address its deteriorating condition. By investing in these essential improvements now, we will also reduce maintenance costs and disruption in the future.”

“Given the importance of the A391, we know the project will disrupt local traffic and we have developed diversion plans prioritising safety and efficiency while ensuring they are the least disruptive possible. This is to ensure we finish this important project efficiently and we will be working extended hours to complete the work as soon as possible.”

The work is being delivered as part of Live Labs 2, a national programme funded by the Department for Transport to trial lower-carbon methods in highway maintenance. Cornwall Council is part of the Wessex Partnership.

New materials to reduce emissions

Two specialist resurfacing materials will be used:

• Milepave™ – a grouted macadam that reduces carbon emissions and offers longer life compared to standard asphalt.

• Hardipave™ – a heavy-duty surface course designed to handle wear on roundabouts.

Other upgrades will include:

• Solar-powered road studs

• Adjustments to kerb alignments on roundabout approaches

• High-specification white lining

• Improved chevron blockwork and signage

To minimise disruption, the noisiest work will be done during the day. Moderate noise levels are still expected during the project.

For any questions about the resurfacing works, residents are advised to email: surfacing@cormacltd.co.uk.