EMERGENCY work being undertaken to restore a crash-damaged bridge has highlighted Plusha Junction limitations, according to one councillor.

Cornwall Council has signed off on five days of emergency works to repair Trekelland Bridge along the B3254 near South Petherwin.

The work, pencilled for May 26 until June 1, is being carried out to repair parapets which were damaged following a road traffic collision on the stretch of carriageway.

As a result of the works, a diversion is in place during the repair period. This 16-mile diversion takes drivers through South Petherwin to Launceston’s Pennygillam Industrial Estate, before heading along the A30, turning at Plusha, before finally navigating to Congdon’s Shop, adding approximately 25 minutes to any journey.

While many will be pleased to hear of these repairs, one councillor has suggested that it highlights an issue caused by precautions implemented at the infamous Plusha Junction.

Following a series of serious and fatal crashes at the junction along the A30, National Highways implemented changes at the site which mean drivers are no longer able to turn right across the carriageway. However, for many this was a less than ideal solution, with residents instead hoping for the creation of a flyover.

Cllr Adrian Parsons (Altarnun and Stoke Climsland) has said these works highlight this issue.

He said: “This week sees the closure of Trekelland Bridge for much needed repairs, leading to a noticeable increase in traffic on our rural roads. Today, for example, I was approached in Illand by tourists who were trying to find their way back to Colchester.

“Closures such as this highlight the impact of restrictions like the loss of the right turn at Plusha. There has been a surge of traffic through Lewannick, with drivers attempting to avoid the longer diversion via Five Lanes.”