“HOW long does it take to get from X to Y?” has been heard on repeat this week as A30 roadworks are causing havoc for many, with cars being pushed onto back roads, leaving people questioning whether it is quicker to sit in traffic or chance a detour.

One local described it as ‘pure misery’, while another estimates the delays caused by traffic build up will set their independent business back around £18,000 in lost turnover.

National Highways is currently carrying out 24/7 closures of the A30 westbound side of the Plusha junction from September 24, 2026, until January 2027 as part of safety improvement works.

Traffic is being diverted via the B3257, B3254, and the A30, and caused almost immediate chaos as frustrated drivers found the area’s B-roads just as packed.

People have been sharing their stories of traffic woe with us and it paints a similar picture of advice: “Add an hour to your journey.”

Jason Jeffery said the impact he estimates this will have on his business is huge - with added travel time being a factor for many local small businesses.

He said: “As a sole trader I estimate the delays will cost me around £18k in lost turnover.”

James Davidson, using sarcasm to express his frustration, wrote: “Pure misery. “Congrats locals, you've made it through the summer hell, [now] enjoy the next six months leading up to next summer with similar misery”. “Also we aren’t going to work weekends, and we are going to cone off 15 miles of road for no reason”.”

Diversions from the road closure have resulted in chaos on local B-roads — with cars, caravans, and even an ambulance, fighting to get back on course.

Adam Beer said: “It's making the local villages chaotic as well — took me 20 minutes to travel two miles home and I wasn't even on the A30!”

In light of the backlash the area’s MP has written to National Highways to request a review of diversion signage and route choices.