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Tamar Bridge

The Tamar Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Tamar estuary, linking Plymouth in Devon to Saltash in Cornwall in southwest England, and carrying the A38 trunk road as the primary modern vehicular crossing between the two counties.^[1]^[2] Constructed by Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company under the design of consulting engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson, work commenced in July 1959 and the bridge opened to traffic on 24 October 1961, with formal inauguration by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother on 26 April 1962.^[2] Featuring a main span of 335 metres, a total length of 642 metres, and towers rising 73 metres above mean high water, the structure originally comprised a three-lane composite deck that was later widened and strengthened by 2002 to accommodate increased loads.^[3]^[1] As a toll bridge operated by Tamar Crossings, it handles approximately 16 million vehicles annually, underscoring its critical role in regional connectivity alongside the historic Royal Albert Bridge railway crossing designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.^[4]^[5]^[2]

Location and Geography

Position and Surrounding Area

The Tamar Bridge spans the River Tamar estuary, linking Saltash in Cornwall to Plymouth in Devon at coordinates 50°24′29″N 4°12′11″W.^[6] It connects the A38 road from the Carkeel area near Saltash to St Budeaux in Plymouth, facilitating direct vehicular access between the two counties.^[7] Adjacent and parallel to the Royal Albert Railway Bridge, the Tamar Bridge occupies a strategic position in the lower estuary reaches.^[2] The River Tamar, approximately 61 miles (98 km) long, delineates the historic boundary between Devon to the east and Cornwall to the west for much of its course, a demarcation established over a millennium ago.^[8] ^[9] In its estuarine section, the river exhibits characteristics of a drowned valley with semi-diurnal tides featuring a mean range of 3.5 meters, enabling navigation for vessels drawing up to 1.5 meters near high water springs as far as the upper tidal limits.^[10] ^[11] These estuarine conditions, including strong tidal currents and the need to accommodate seagoing traffic historically reaching inland ports like Weir Quay, imposed navigational constraints that dictated the bridge's elevated deck and extended main span to preserve maritime access beneath the structure.^[2] ^[11] The bridge's placement proximate to Plymouth, a key urban and naval center, and Saltash underscores its role in bridging the geographic and administrative divide between southwest England's densely populated Devon conurbation and Cornwall's rural peripheries.^[7]

Strategic and Navigational Role

Prior to the Tamar Bridge's opening on 24 April 1961, vehicular and passenger crossings of the River Tamar between Saltash in Cornwall and Plymouth in Devon depended on the Saltash and Torpoint ferries, which had operated for centuries but faced capacity constraints amid rising motor traffic in the 20th century.^[12] The bridge's construction directly supplanted these services, with the ferries' final operations concluding that year, establishing a permanent fixed crossing that operated independently of tidal schedules and weather-related interruptions inherent to ferry operations.^[12] As a key component of the A38 trunk road, the Tamar Bridge integrates into the primary east-west arterial route across southwest England, with the A38 rerouted through Saltash to leverage the structure upon its completion.^[13] This alignment bolsters economic and social ties between Cornwall and Devon by streamlining the transport of goods, commuters, and tourists, thereby reducing reliance on circuitous alternatives and fostering regional cohesion.^[14]^[7] The bridge maintains navigational access for shipping on the tidal River Tamar, offering a vertical clearance of 110 feet (33 meters) above high water at its center span, sufficient for estuary vessels while prioritizing land transport efficiency over unrestricted deep-water passage.^[15] This height accommodates local commercial and recreational maritime activity upstream, without accommodating larger ocean-going ships that dock downstream at Plymouth.^[15]

Design and Technical Specifications

Structural Components and Dimensions

The Tamar Bridge features a main span of 335 meters between its towers, with two side spans each measuring 114 meters, resulting in a total length of 642 meters including approach spans.^[16]^[17] The reinforced concrete towers rise to 73 meters in height, positioning the deck at approximately half this elevation for optimal load distribution and stability.^[18]^[19] The primary suspension cables, each with a diameter of 350 millimeters and comprising 31 locked-coil wire ropes, anchor into bedrock approximately 17 meters deep to withstand tensile forces.^[20]^[19] These cables support vertical locked-coil hangers spaced at 9.1-meter intervals, which transfer loads to the deck while minimizing vibrations through their robust, corrosion-resistant design.^[20]^[19] A stiffening truss, 5.5 meters deep and constructed from welded hollow box sections, enhances the deck's rigidity against aerodynamic and live load stresses.^[20] The original concrete deck was replaced during upgrades with a lighter orthotropic steel plate system, incorporating cantilever extensions that widened the structure from three to five lanes without altering core span dimensions, thereby improving capacity while preserving the bridge's fundamental load-bearing integrity.^[17]

Engineering Features and Innovations

The Tamar Bridge utilizes a suspension bridge configuration engineered to accommodate the dynamic loads from vehicular traffic and prevailing estuary winds, with main cables comprising 31 preformed galvanised locked-coil wire ropes, each 65 mm in diameter, bundled to form a 350 mm overall diameter.^[21] This locked-coil construction, deviating from the aerially spun wire strands common in earlier suspension bridges, enhances tensile strength and corrosion resistance while facilitating maintenance access.^[22] Vertical locked-coil hangers, spaced at 9.1 m intervals along the cables, transfer loads to the stiffening truss, promoting uniform stress distribution and lateral stability under gusts typical of the River Tamar's exposed tidal reach.^[20] A 5.5 m deep stiffening truss integrates with the orthotropic steel deck to mitigate flexural deformations, with the design calibrated via site-specific wind tunnel testing to limit aerodynamic oscillations.^[23] Reinforced concrete towers, standing 73 m high, provide anchorage points optimized for the local geology, incorporating provisions for thermal expansion and minor seismic inputs through rocker bearings at deck ends that permit longitudinal movement without compromising structural integrity.^[22] These elements collectively enabled a central span of 335 m, the longest in the United Kingdom upon completion in 1961, demonstrating effective adaptation of first-generation post-war suspension principles to regional environmental stressors.^[20]

Construction and Early History

Planning and Build Phase (1950-1962)

In the aftermath of World War II, British infrastructure projects faced stringent government funding constraints, prompting local authorities to explore self-financing options for essential crossings. In 1950, Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council established a joint committee to advocate for a fixed Tamar crossing, but central government declined subsidy, citing national fiscal priorities.^[16] This rebuff necessitated a toll-based revenue model, with construction costs to be recovered entirely from user fees without taxpayer support, reflecting the era's emphasis on localized fiscal responsibility amid postwar recovery.^[24] The Tamar Bridge Act 1957, promoted by the councils in 1956, received Royal Assent on 27 July 1957, granting statutory powers for land acquisition, bridge construction, and toll imposition while establishing the Tamar Bridge Joint Committee for oversight.^[25] Detailed design followed under consulting engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson, who specified a suspension bridge configuration to span the 335-meter main distance, marking the first major such structure in the UK since the war.^[26] Construction commenced in July 1959 by main contractor Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company, employing suspended erection techniques from temporary piers to minimize reliance on heavy scaffolding over the tidal estuary.^[27] The project encountered site-specific difficulties inherent to the Tamar's estuarine environment, including variable tidal flows and sedimentary deposits that demanded precise foundation piling for the 67-meter-high concrete towers.^[14] Labor-intensive cable spinning and deck assembly proceeded rapidly, but a 1960 boat mishap during material transport claimed five workers' lives, underscoring the hazards of estuarine operations without modern safety protocols.^[4] Total expenditure reached approximately £1.5 million, financed through council borrowing repayable via tolls, enabling completion ahead of schedule. The bridge opened to pedestrian and vehicular traffic on 24 October 1961, with formal inauguration by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 26 April 1962.^[16]

Opening and Initial Operations

The Tamar Bridge opened to vehicular traffic on 24 October 1961, providing immediate relief to the congested Saltash chain ferry services that had previously handled crossings of the River Tamar between Plymouth in Devon and Saltash in Cornwall.^[1]^[15] The formal opening ceremony occurred later, on 26 April 1962, conducted by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in recognition of the bridge's completion as the United Kingdom's longest suspension bridge at the time, spanning 1,356 feet between its main towers.^[28]^[29] Initial tolls were set at 3 shillings for a single car journey or 4 shillings and 6 pence for a return, reflecting the joint financing model by Cornwall and Plymouth authorities to recover construction costs estimated at £3.5 million.^[1] In its first year of operation, the bridge accommodated approximately 4,000 vehicles daily, a volume that validated its design capacity under live loads and swiftly demonstrated the structural reliability of its post-World War II engineering, including galvanized steel cables and orthotropic deck plating.^[15]^[13] This early traffic uptake, primarily local commuters and commercial vehicles, underscored the bridge's role in alleviating ferry bottlenecks, with the Saltash ferry ceasing fare-paying operations on the eve of the bridge's public debut.^[1] Empirical monitoring during initial loads confirmed the suspension system's stability, with no significant oscillations or failures reported, affirming the empirical testing conducted prior to handover.^[30] Minor operational adjustments in the early 1960s focused on surface treatments and corrosion prevention, such as addressing zinc coating degradation observed in preliminary inspections, though these did not disrupt traffic flow or compromise safety.^[30] Overall, the bridge's debut phase evidenced effective load distribution and durability, setting a precedent for its sustained performance without necessitating immediate structural interventions.^[30]

Operations and Management

Toll System and Revenue Model

The Tamar Bridge has operated a toll system since its opening on April 24, 1962, with charges levied exclusively in the eastbound direction toward Plymouth, reflecting the bridge's role as a primary crossing from Cornwall into Devon.^[16] Initially collected manually at toll booths, the system transitioned to automated enforcement using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, supplemented by pre-paid electronic Tamar Tags that offer a 50% discount on standard rates for frequent users.^[31] This directional tolling minimizes operational costs while ensuring revenue capture from users benefiting from the infrastructure. As of May 12, 2025, the standard cash toll for cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes is £3 per crossing, up from £2.60 following approval under the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry (Revision of Tolls) Order 2025; Tamar Tag holders pay £1.50 for the same vehicles.^[31] ^[32] Higher rates apply to larger vehicles, such as £7.30 cash for two-axle goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, with motorcycles exempt.^[31] Toll increases, typically annual or biennial, are determined by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee to align with inflation and operational needs, subject to public inquiry and statutory approval.^[33] The revenue model is predicated on full self-financing, with toll income ring-fenced under the Tamar Bridge Act 1959 to cover construction debt repayment—completed decades ago—ongoing operations, maintenance, and capital upgrades without reliance on public subsidies or taxpayer funds from central or local government.^[33] ^[16] This user-pays principle, established as a local initiative in 1955 amid limited national funding post-World War II, sustains the bridge's viability by directly linking usage to cost recovery, thereby insulating it from broader fiscal pressures.^[16] In fiscal year 2016/17, for instance, tolls constituted the sole significant revenue stream, funding all expenditures independently.^[34]

Traffic Volume, Maintenance, and Monitoring

The Tamar Bridge accommodates approximately 16 million vehicles annually, representing the majority of the roughly 18 million vehicles crossing the Tamar via bridge and ferry combined. Average daily traffic stands at around 40,000 vehicles, with weekday averages of 38,200 and summer weekdays increasing to 42,900. Morning peak-hour flows reach up to 2,500 vehicles, contributing to periods of congestion that test the structure's load-bearing limits beyond its mid-20th-century design parameters.^[35]^[36] Routine maintenance encompasses trimonthly inspections of critical components, alongside periodic resurfacing and corrosion prevention to sustain deck integrity and cable longevity. These efforts address wear from sustained heavy traffic, including higher axle loads from modern vehicles, with interventions calibrated to minimize disruptions during operational hours.^[37] Structural health monitoring systems, deployed since the early 2000s, utilize sensors for real-time measurement of vibrations, strains, accelerations, temperatures, and wind loads across the deck, towers, and suspenders. Long-term data analysis from these installations, conducted by engineering researchers, identifies traffic-induced dynamic responses and environmental influences, enabling predictive maintenance and targeted reinforcements without full closures. In 2019, an eight-year monitoring contract was initiated to further optimize lifecycle management through continuous data-driven assessments.^[38]^[18]^[39]

Upgrades and Modernization

Widening and Strengthening Project (1991-2001)

The widening and strengthening project addressed escalating traffic volumes, which had risen to approximately 40,000 vehicles daily by the mid-1990s, alongside fatigue in the original concrete deck slab and sub-standard capacity of the stiffening trusses to accommodate heavier EU-standard 40-tonne lorries.^[40]^[27] An initial assessment in 1994 identified these defects, prompting interim reinforcement measures and enhanced structural monitoring to maintain safety while planning long-term upgrades.^[40] A feasibility study in 1995 evaluated options for capacity enhancement without full closure, leading to the selection of a lightweight orthotropic steel deck replacement to reduce dead load by about 25% compared to the original concrete, thereby alleviating stress on cables and trusses.^[40] The design incorporated cantilever extensions—adding one lane on each side of the existing structure—to expand from three to five lanes, marking the world's first such widening of a suspension bridge while remaining open to traffic; this "Nippon clip-on" method involved sequential installation starting from anchorages toward the center.^[41]^[15] The new deck comprised 82 orthotropic steel panels, each 6 meters long, welded to the truss chords for added rigidity, supplemented by 18 new locked-coil wire ropes to bolster main span support.^[22]^[24] Construction commenced in March 1999, with cantilever lanes installed first to sustain traffic flow during subsequent deck replacement and truss plating; the orthotropic panels were fabricated off-site and craned into position in phased halves to minimize disruptions.^[15]^[42] The project, executed by contractors including Cleveland Bridge under engineering oversight, concluded in December 2001 at a total cost of £34-35 million, fully funded through accumulated toll revenues without taxpayer subsidy, underscoring the viability of user-financed maintenance in averting overload failure risks inherent to aging infrastructure.^[15]^[24] This incremental approach preserved operational continuity, enabling the bridge to handle increased loads and volumes post-upgrade while exemplifying engineering innovation in retrofitting without service interruption.^[40]^[27]

Developments Since 2001

Following the 2001 widening and strengthening, the Tamar Bridge has benefited from advanced structural health monitoring (SHM) systems to track performance and inform maintenance. Long-term monitoring, initiated post-upgrade, utilizes a MySQL database for analyzing vast datasets on structural responses, identifying temperature as the primary driver of configuration changes and traffic as the main source of dynamic loads.^[18] In 2012, operational experiences from the SHM program emphasized its role in verifying design assumptions under increased loads.^[20] A new comprehensive SHM contract awarded to James Fisher in April 2019 spans eight years, incorporating sensors to detect early signs of wear and extend service life amid heavier vehicle traffic.^[39] Maintenance efforts since 2001 have focused on preserving the orthotropic steel deck and supporting elements, with £66.4 million invested in major schemes over the subsequent two decades to address corrosion, fatigue, and wear.^[43] From 2010 to 2020, projects included full deck resurfacing to protect against waterproofing failures, upgrades to pedestrian and cyclist access, replacement of expansion joints, and recoating of truss steelwork to mitigate environmental degradation. Deck resurfacing recurred in 2021, adhering to a 20- to 25-year cycle to prevent steel corrosion, with works commencing in April and completing without compromising overall capacity.^[44] A 2023 trial of innovative "rockers" for hanger connections demonstrated cost savings and reduced disruption, validating adaptive strategies for aging components.^[43] The bridge marked its 60th anniversary on 24 October 2021, celebrating six decades of reliable service connecting Cornwall and Devon, with traffic volumes at 16 million vehicles annually—tenfold the 1.6 million recorded in 1961.^[27]^[45] This endurance reflects effective post-2001 adaptations for modern heavy goods vehicles (up to 40-tonne limits) and climate variability, evidenced by the absence of major structural failures despite intensified use and no need for fundamental redesign.^[16] To sustain these operations, toll revenues fund upkeep, prompting a 2024 revision application for a 15.4% increase across categories, scrutinized via public inquiry on 15 October 2024.^[46] Approval by the Secretary of State in March 2025 raised standard car tolls to £3.00 (from £2.60) effective May, with TamarTag discounts at 50% (£1.50), ensuring resources for resilience enhancements amid rising costs.^[47]^[48]

Incidents and Safety

Notable Accidents and Structural Events

The Tamar Bridge has recorded sporadic vehicle breakdowns and minor collisions, typically resulting in brief lane closures rather than widespread disruption, given annual traffic volumes exceeding 30 million crossings. On October 2, 2025, a broken-down coach on the westbound A38 adjacent to the bridge prompted a one-lane closure near Saltash, generating up to four miles of queues and delays of approximately 45 minutes before recovery.^[49] ^[50] A similar incident on the eastbound approach involved a stalled car, cleared after recovery with easing congestion reported shortly thereafter.^[51] In June 2025, a vehicle overturned at the toll booth, trapping the female driver inside until emergency services extricated her; the crash highlighted risks at entry points but caused no fatalities or bridge damage.^[52] Such events underscore causal factors like mechanical failure and high traffic density, yet official logs indicate low collision rates relative to usage, with no recorded spans or systemic overload failures post-1961 opening.^[53] Structural events are predominantly weather-driven, with protocols enforcing 30 mph speed limits and bans on high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorcycles when gusts surpass 40-60 mph to prevent sway-induced hazards.^[54] ^[55] Full closures remain rare—limited to about 10 instances over the past decade, including extreme gusts of 113 mph and isolated head-on collisions—reflecting robust suspension design and real-time monitoring that has averted catastrophic outcomes despite periodic storm impacts like those from Storm Darragh in December 2024.^[56] Response measures, evolved from early operational data, prioritize empirical wind thresholds over precautionary overreach, maintaining accessibility amid southwestern England's variable climate.^[57]

Welfare and Security Concerns

The Tamar Bridge has been the site of numerous welfare concerns, primarily involving individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide by jumping. Devon and Cornwall Police recorded 108 concern for welfare incidents at the bridge during the 2022/23 financial year, reflecting a pattern of frequent calls requiring rapid response to prevent harm.^[58] These incidents often involve third-party reports of distressed persons climbing parapets or exhibiting suicidal behavior, prompting closures or slowdowns to facilitate intervention.^[59] Operational responses include monitoring via an extensive CCTV network, comprising eight fixed smart cameras on the south cantilever and 16 additional cameras on and under the bridge, which enable control room staff to detect anomalies and alert authorities.^[60] Tamar Crossings maintains a positive intervention program, coordinating with police for de-escalation and safe removal, as demonstrated in cases where individuals were escorted off the structure and returned home without injury.^[61] Despite advocacy for physical barriers, the Joint Committee opted in 2019 to retain existing parapets, citing low incidence relative to regional suicides—only one bridge-related case among 64 in Plymouth from 2016-18—and concerns over cost, aesthetics, and potential displacement to other sites.^[62] Security measures emphasize proactive surveillance over structural changes, with bridge patrols and integrated emergency protocols contributing to empirical successes in averting fatalities, though exact intervention counts remain undisclosed due to sensitivity.^[60] This approach prioritizes immediate response efficacy, as evidenced by multiple documented preventions, while acknowledging the bridge's role as a landmark with inherent accessibility risks absent comprehensive fencing.^[63]

Impact and Controversies

Economic and Engineering Achievements

The Tamar Bridge, opened on April 24, 1961, achieved an engineering milestone as the longest suspension bridge span in the United Kingdom at the time, measuring 335 meters between its towers, with a total structure length of 642 meters.^[64]^[24]^[65] Constructed by the Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company at a cost of £1.3 million over two years, its design validated durability through over 60 years of continuous service under heavy traffic loads, demonstrating the robustness of its suspension system and foundations.^[24] The 1991–2001 widening and strengthening project represented a pioneering approach in civil engineering by expanding the deck from three to five lanes via cantilever additions on both sides of the existing structure, performed while maintaining full traffic flow without complete reconstruction.^[41]^[42] This innovative technique, which included major cable strengthening and component replacements, preserved the bridge's historic integrity and earned the British Construction Industry Civil Engineering Award in 2002 for the Historic Structures category.^[37] The project's success highlighted advancements in live-load infrastructure upgrades, influencing practices for aging suspension bridges worldwide. Economically, the bridge's toll-based revenue model has enabled self-financing of maintenance and enhancements, including the extensive widening works, without reliance on public subsidies, exemplifying fiscal self-reliance for regional infrastructure.^[66]^[67] By providing a reliable fixed crossing over the River Tamar, it supplanted inconsistent ferry dependencies, directly enhancing connectivity between Cornwall and Devon, which facilitated increased trade and supported post-1961 economic expansion in the southwest region.^[14] This causal linkage to improved transport efficiency underscores the bridge's role in fostering self-sustaining growth through dependable infrastructure.

Criticisms, Toll Debates, and Local Perspectives

The Tamar Bridge has faced ongoing criticism from local residents and campaigners primarily over the toll system's perceived economic burden on commuters and businesses crossing from Cornwall into Devon. The Tamar Toll Action Group (TTAG), formed in April 2022, has organized protests including a march of over 300 participants across the bridge on July 29, 2023, decrying tolls as an "ongoing injustice" that hinders regional connectivity and imposes unfair costs on daily users.^[68]^[69] Critics, including TTAG chair Mel Priston, argue that the eastbound-only tolling—charging vehicles entering Devon but not those returning to Cornwall—creates an asymmetric penalty on Cornish workers and exacerbates cost-of-living pressures without equivalent government support seen on other UK crossings.^[70]^[71] Toll increase proposals have intensified debates, with applications for rises such as the 15.4% adjustment approved in 2025—elevating car cash tolls to £3 and TamarTag discounts to £1.50—prompting further TTAG objections and public inquiries.^[72]^[48] A 2024 public inquiry, held in October and concluding early due to limited objections, examined these hikes alongside Torpoint Ferry fares, with TTAG submitting evidence from prior reports highlighting commuter impacts; however, the process affirmed the need for revenue to cover operational shortfalls absent alternative funding.^[73]^[74] Opponents, including Cornwall councillors and MPs, have cited potential harm to small businesses and key workers, urging abolition or central government grants akin to those for other tolled bridges like the Severn Crossing.^[75]^[76] Proponents of the toll model emphasize its role in self-financing maintenance and operations for the bridge and ferry, employing over 110 staff without relying on taxpayer bailouts or general taxation that would otherwise burden non-users nationwide.^[77]^[13] The 50% TamarTag discount, utilized by frequent commuters, mitigates daily costs—reducing effective rates to half the cash price—while reserves have dwindled, necessitating hikes to avoid service disruptions, as stated in joint committee reports with no viable "plan B" identified.^[78]^[79] Local supporters, including parliamentary discussions, note that toll revenue sustains infrastructure independently, contrasting with devolved regions' abolition of similar charges via public funds, and inquiries have upheld increases based on evidenced financial imperatives rather than unsubstantiated abolition calls.^[80]^[13]

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[44]
Major works on Tamar Bridge lasting six months to start in April
Mar 23, 2021 · The deck of the Tamar Bridge needs to be resurfaced every 20 to 25 years to prevent damage occurring to the steel deck. In the last 20 years the ...Missing: maintenance upgrades
[45]
Tamar Bridge marks 60th anniversary - BBC
Oct 23, 2021 · Work on the Tamar Bridge started in July 1959 and six months after opening to the public it was officially opened by the Queen Mother on 26 ...Missing: 1950-1962 | Show results with:1950-1962
[46]
Toll Revision Application - Tamar Crossings
The general effect of the application is to increase all cash tolls by 15.4%, rounding to the nearest 10p where applicable. If approved by the Secretary of ...
[47]
Government approves formal application to revise tolls on the Tamar ...
Mar 25, 2025 · The decision will mean a cash toll of £3.00 for cars. The discounts for pre-paid crossings using the TamarTag scheme will continue to be 50% of the full toll.
[48]
Tamar Bridge and Torpoint ferry toll increases approved - BBC
Mar 25, 2025 · Tolls will rise for all vehicles, with fares for cars and vans to go up from £2.60 to £3.00, and fares for Tamar Tag holders to rise from £1.30 ...Missing: rates | Show results with:rates
[49]
Long delays after breakdown near Tamar Bridge - BBC
Oct 2, 2025 · At its peak, there was about four miles (6.4km) of queuing traffic ... Long traffic queues were reported on the A38 near the Tamar Bridge.Missing: daily | Show results with:daily
[50]
Miles of A38 delays as lane closed at Tamar Bridge - Cornwall Live
Oct 2, 2025 · Lane 1 (of 2) is closed on the #A38 westbound between the #B3413 and #B3271 prior to Tamar Bridge near #Saltash due to a broken down coach.
[51]
Bridge: 08:44. Broken down car has been recovered. Delays easing.
Oct 16, 2025 · Sadly we was awaiting recovery of a broken down car on the crossing, we pulled over best we could, but sadly not one but two commercial ...
[52]
Woman trapped in car after dramatic Tamar Bridge toll booth crash
Jun 23, 2025 · A woman was left trapped in her car after it overturned at the Tamar Bridge toll booth. The vehicle appeared to crash into a booth on the bridge just before 10 ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[53]
'No possibility' of Genoa-style collapse at Tamar Bridge - Plymouth ...
Aug 17, 2018 · Drivers using the Tamar Bridge between Devon and Cornwall should have no fears of a Genoa-style collapse. At least 39 people died when a ...
[54]
Tamar Bridge Wind Restrictions
Find out how wind conditions impact travel on the Tamar Bridge, including details on speed limits, lane closures, and safety restrictions.
[55]
Bridge: 02:28. Wind speeds across the Main Deck are currently ...
Bridge: 02:28. Wind speeds across the Main Deck are currently gusting up to 60 miles per hour, therefore we are closed to high sided vehicles, caravans,...
[56]
Storm Darragh downs trees and causes power cuts in South West
Dec 7, 2024 · The Tamar Bridge, which connects Devon and Cornwall, was closed to high-sided vehicles because of the strong winds. Stuart Hughes, from ...
[57]
Evidence on Winter resilience in transport - UK Parliament Committees
Between November 2012 and January 2013 there were 15 separate incidents which caused approximately 66 hours of closure. The partial closure of the Tamar Bridge ...
[58]
Welfare Concerns on Tamar Bridge - Devon & Cornwall Police
I'm currently trying to find information and statistics on how many times the police Have been called to the Tamar bridge for concerns for welfare .
[59]
Two emergency incidents closed Tamar Bridge - Cornwall Live
Jul 21, 2025 · Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We were called at 3.25pm on Saturday, July 19 following a report of a concern for welfare at the Tamar Bridge.
[60]
Supporting People in Crisis – Tamar Crossings' Positive Intervention ...
Nov 13, 2019 · Tamar Crossings are committed to ensuring the safety of all people using the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry. Over the last two decades we ...
[61]
Man taken home after concern for Welfare on Tamar Bridge
Jul 8, 2025 · Police and ambulance in Plymouth respond to welfare concerns on Tamar Bridge. The man was safely escorted off the bridge and taken home.
[62]
Members of Joint Committee make decision on Tamar Bridge parapets
Oct 20, 2019 · Members of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee have decided to retain the existing parapets across the full length of the Bridge.
[63]
Teenagers save drunk man from falling off Devon bridge - BBC
Oct 10, 2017 · Police say support services have since checked on him and say there are no issues with his welfare. Home · News · Sport.
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West Country Bridges: 4. Tamar Bridge - The Happy Pontist
Sep 27, 2011 · The Tamar trusses are some 4.9m deep, with a span-to-depth ratio of 68, almost absurdly deep for a suspension bridge even at the time. As built, ...
[65]
The Tamar Bridge at 60 | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
Oct 19, 2021 · The Tamar Bridge at 60. Type: Webinar. The Tamar Bridge at 60. Event organised by ICE. Date: 19 October 2021; Time. This event has now ended.Overview · More Like This · Technician Tea Break...
[66]
Tamar Bridge tolls 'should be cheaper for locals' say Labour politicians
Oct 19, 2023 · They are currently operating in deficit and have minimal reserves. The crossings operate on a self-financing basis with no subsidy from either ...
[67]
[PDF] Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Future Financing Introduction
Feb 12, 2024 · 1.6 The Tamar Bridge Act 1957 sets out the default process to be followed if such deficits arise, namely that the parent authorities ...
[68]
Merbyon Kernow calls for end to Tamar tolls
Nov 22, 2023 · On 29th July, more than 300 people marched across the Tamar Bridge in protest at the continuation of expensive tolls. A number of Mebyon Kernow ...Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
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Tamar Toll Action Group say "enough is enough" - Cornish times
Aug 1, 2023 · Chair of TTAG Mel Priston says that toll fees on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry represent an “ongoing injustice” for the residents and ...
[70]
MPs and Tamar Bridge bosses hope for locals' toll - BBC
Mar 9, 2025 · Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry tolls are payable by people travelling from Cornwall into Devon. There are no charges travelling the other way.Missing: post WWII
[71]
Tolls on the Tamar Crossings are set to increase on May 12.
May 6, 2025 · Those with an automatic payment HumberTag account will also experience an increase, with car tolls rising from £1.35 to £1.50, vans to £4, and ...Hello everyone, From Wednesday 10th September 2025 te toll fee to ...Tamar Bridge.. Long delays expected between October 2024 & Oct ...More results from www.facebook.com
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Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry – Toll Charges
May 6, 2025 · Cash tolls for those travelling by car on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry will increase to £3 per crossing from midnight on 12 May 2025.Missing: subsidies | Show results with:subsidies
[73]
Tamar crossing tolls increase hearing finishes early - BBC
Oct 16, 2024 · Protesters march over toll increase plans · Tamar tolls meeting called for by new MP · Tamar bridge tolls set to increase by November.Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
[74]
Tamar Toll Revision Public Inquiry - Opening and Closing Statements
Dec 22, 2024 · The Public Inquiry into the application to revise tolls on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry was held at the Copthorne Hotel on October ...Missing: only | Show results with:only
[75]
Tamar Bridge prices approved for increase despite protests from ...
Feb 21, 2024 · Cornwall Council has narrowly agreed to increase the tolls to cross the Tamar, despite a number of councillors speaking out on its economic impact.<|control11|><|separator|>
[76]
Vital decision made on future cost of crossing the Tamar
Mar 7, 2025 · The discounts for pre-paid crossings using the TamarTag scheme will continue to be 50% of the full toll, resulting in a tag toll for cars and vans of £1.50 ...
[77]
Bridge and Ferry reserves running perilously low - News Details
“The crossings operate on a self-financing basis with no subsidy from either the government or the owners of the two crossings – Plymouth City Council and ...
[78]
Government approves formal application to increase Cash Tolls
Sep 29, 2022 · The increase in cash tolls will mean that the rate of discount for TamarTag holders will revert to 50% from 1 January 2023. The income needed to ...Missing: free | Show results with:free<|separator|>
[79]
Motorists set to be hit in the pocket with latest Tamar Tolls rise
May 6, 2025 · Commuters, key workers are small businesses will be furious at the rise to £3 per crossing from midnight on May 12. The discounts for pre-paid ...
[80]
No plan B for Tamar crossings if government doesn't approve increase
Oct 26, 2024 · A PUBLIC inquiry into the application to raise tolls on the Tamar bridge and Torpoint ferry concluded after just one day.