Key Points
- Major £45m upgrade of Tavistock Road in Plymouth enters next phase with overnight disruptions from 7pm to 6am.
- Woolwell Roundabout to be replaced by signal-controlled junction, with road widening and improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
- Five consecutive nights of works from Monday, 26 January, to remove traffic islands using lane closures and temporary traffic lights.
- Main construction starts on Monday, 2 February, aiming to keep one lane open each direction where possible.
Plymouth (Liverpool Standard) February 17, 2026 – A significant shakeup to Plymouth’s post-7pm traffic arrangements has begun as part of a £45m road upgrade project on Tavistock Road.
The works, described by local reports as long overdue, involve lane closures and temporary traffic lights nightly between 7pm and 6am to facilitate safe construction. Plymouth City Council leads the initiative to replace Woolwell Roundabout with a signal-controlled junction and widen the road for better pedestrian and cyclist access.
What changes are taking place in the next phase?
From Monday, 26 January, five consecutive nights of overnight works removed traffic islands on Tavistock Road between George Junction and Woolwell Roundabout. Lane closures and temporary traffic lights managed traffic during these hours, with a temporary signal-controlled crossing installed near Frensham Avenue to ensure pedestrian safety.
As reported by Highways Industry of highwaysindustry.com, the main construction phase began on Monday, 2 February, progressing south from Woolwell Roundabout towards George Junction, following preparatory traffic management on Sunday, 1 February.
How will traffic be managed during the works?
Council officials intend to maintain one lane open in each direction between George Junction and Woolwell Roundabout wherever possible, with occasional overnight single-lane closures handled by temporary signals. Northbound traffic from Woolwell Roundabout faces temporary restriction to one lane briefly after the new pedestrian crossing.
What early preparation works are underway?
Early phase two activities include vegetation and tree clearance, demolition of the Clock House, utility diversions, new drainage installations, and removal of kerbs and boundary features to enable road widening. A council spokesperson noted that further trees must be removed to accommodate the expansion.
What are the expected impacts and next steps?
Disruptions are set to continue with narrowed lanes using cones for worker safety, prioritising minimal daytime interference. The project aims to enhance safety and capacity on this key route into Plymouth.
Local coverage highlights the upgrades as essential for long-term traffic flow improvements in the area.
