# National Highways road works in South West England

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/national-highways-road-works-in-south-west-england
> Updated: 2026-08-15T05:01:10.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

On 6 August 2026, National Highways announced a series of overnight closures affecting seven sections of motorways and A-roads in South West England, including the A30, M5 and the M48 Severn Bridge. The closures ran from about 8 p.m. to early the next morning to allow maintenance work.

The following day, National Highways detailed a £9.8 million safety-upgrade programme for Cornwall’s A30 and A38. Starting 5 September, the A30 between Kennards House and Five Lanes will be fully closed overnight from 5 to 10 September, after which traffic will be limited to one lane each direction with a 50 mph speed limit. The project targets six junctions and includes new road layouts and visibility improvements. A related scheme on the A38 will address identified accident hotspots. Public-engagement events are planned later in the year to gather community feedback.

Further details regarding the A30 safety upgrades in Cornwall indicate that £8 million of the budget is specifically allocated to safety measures intended to reduce serious and fatal collisions. The project, which includes the Plusha Junction, is expected to last six months. However, the plans have faced scrutiny. While an interim barrier scheme was installed last year to prevent right turns across the dual carriageway, some residents have advocated for a flyover to facilitate safer right turns. Additionally, Cornwall Councillor Adrian Parsons has questioned the effectiveness of the proposed improvements, citing significant traffic congestion experienced by locals during peak periods.

## Claims

- National Highways plans to carry out upgrades along the A30. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The upgrade scheme is valued at £9.8 million, with £8 million allocated to safety measures. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The planned works are expected to last six months. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cornwall Councillor Adrian Parsons has questioned if the proposed improvements are the most effective approach. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Local residents have previously called for a flyover to be installed at Plusha Junction. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Plusha Junction safety upgrades face scrutiny in Cornwall

National Highways is launching a £9.8 million safety upgrade project on Cornwall’s A30, including Plusha Junction, amid local calls for more permanent solutions like a flyover.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/plusha-junction-safety-upgrades-face-scrutiny-in-cornwall

### 2026-08-07: National Highways launches £9.8 million safety upgrades on Cornwall A30 and A38

National Highways starts a £9.8 million safety upgrade on Cornwall's A30 and A38, with September road closures, new junction designs and upcoming public‑engagement events.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-highways-launches-98-million-safety-upgrades-on-cornwall-a30-and-a38

### 2026-08-06: National Highways schedules seven overnight closures on M5, A30, M48 in South West England

National Highways announced seven overnight closures on the A30, M5 and M48 in South West England on 6 Aug 2026, running from 8 pm to 6 am.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-highways-schedules-seven-overnight-closures-on-m5-a30-m48-in-south-west-england

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Cite as: National Highways road works in South West England. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/national-highways-road-works-in-south-west-england
