Archive for category: Roadworks and Traffic

As you are probably aware in 2011 South West Water invested in a major project to install a screening pump station and a long sea outfall pipe in Polperro which removed the original crude sewage outfall next to the harbour. The first part of this outfall is located in a narrow rock gully before the pipe drops to the sea bed.

In the intervening years, this section of pipe has taken a huge pounding by the waves that get amplified in the gully resulting in the original concrete protection for the outfall pipe being broken up and washed away and leaving the exposed pipe in need of remedial work.

The location of the pipe makes repairs from the landward side impossible to undertake safely and consequently the only option is to work from a large platform located in the sea off the end of the gully. We hope to undertake the works in early summer to take advantage of calmer seas and complete the project before the main holiday season begins.

We have obtained the necessary MMO license and have liaised with the Harbour Master, we are currently in the process of procuring a ‘Jack up’ platform and I will be able to update you with a programme of works once this is booked.

We anticipate the works will take about 6 weeks to complete, but this is dependent upon the weather and other factors. If we get poor weather resulting in even moderate waves it will simply be too dangerous for the divers to work safely and we will need to prolong the works. Obviously we will be wanting to complete the works as quickly as possible.

The works will not affect any services in the area and access to the site will be from the sea so there will be very little extra traffic through the town. We have liaised with Natural England and the EA & had an ecology survey undertaken and we’re aiming to create a new rockpool with the concrete protection being placed to enhance biodiversity.

Please feel free to share this information with the councillors and any other interested parties

Regards

Updated March 2023
Why does the road need to be closed?
The road closure is in place to enable a replacement debris screen installation and new access, which
will help to protect over 50 homes from flooding.
These works are vital for the local community. Our estimates show that if the culvert at the end of
this watercourse (or the screen that we are modifying which protects it) were to block then between
50 and 100 properties could be at risk of flooding.
The road closure is required as our safe system of work would not allow the minimum carriageway
width to be maintained. This is defined by the ‘Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee’ (HAUC)
and is documented in the ‘Safety at Street Works and Road Works’ Code of Practise.
Are you permitted to close the road?
The road closure is a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO). Cornwall Council have approved
the Street Works application to close the road. Part of the application included Cornwall Council
notifying the emergency services.
Our priority is to complete the works whilst keeping the public and our workforce safe.
Can the emergency services get through the road closure?
We contacted the fire service well in advance of the works and met them on site, where we agreed
to revise the traffic management to include bollards. Unfortunately, two sets of bollards have been
vandalised, so we are returning to the original traffic management plan.
Can the road be reopened to the public whilst the workers are off site?
No. The conditions of the TTRO cannot be altered and we require the same work zone for 24 hrs. We
have to comply with the Code Of Practise mentioned above and due to the width of Langreek Road,
it is not possible to maintain the minimum carriageway width.
There is also specialist equipment in the area which is not quick or easy to relocate.
Can temporary traffic lights be installed to manage traffic?
No. The Code of Practise would require an area for cars to be able to pass each other, and the road is
too narrow for that.
To set up temporary traffic lights, there must be a maximum of 300 metres between light heads to
allow suitable passing spaces, which is not possible in this location. In addition, we cannot maintain a
minimum working width of 2.5 metres, as defined in the Code Of Practise.
Can the working hours be lengthened?
The working hours are already maximised. The contractors are not allowed to work before and
beyond certain hours due to environmental health guidance and noise disruption to locals. The
workforce work in accordance with the working directive, which limits the hours.
There are times where there are no workers on site, what’s happening?
It may appear that there is no activity, but the team may be reviewing drawings, having planning
meetings, taking deliveries in the compound, or waiting for the next sub-contractor.
Our contractor teams must adhere to set procedures to ensure that they, and the public, remain
safe in the area.
Some of those working on the site are sub-contractors dealing with a specific section. Some activities
are finished earlier than expected, but the next contractor may not be available to start earlier than
planned, due to other commitments.
Will the work be completed on time?
We plan to re-open the road in mid-April, as per the road closure. The programme depends on full
co-operation of the public to trust and allow the Contractors to do the work without interference.
Will there be compensation available to cover fuel costs for the detour?
No, there is no right to compensation for losses or additional costs as a result of the temporary
closure of a road.
The signage isn’t working – people keep getting lost
We have added additional signage and it is checked at least twice a day and corrected if needed.
The diversion route and signage are part of the Cornwall County Council Approval Process. We
maintain the signs as per the Code Of Practise.
Can the bus route be reviewed?
The bus company were informed of the road closure several months in advance, they have adjusted
routes and times to allow for the closure. The new timetable is on the bus company website, on the
site posters and on the parish council social media.
The diversion route is narrow in places with few passing spots
The diversion route was defined by Cornwall County Council and is on Class C roads, which is the
same classification as Langreek Road.
We recognise the temporary inconvenience closing the road is causing to those living at or visiting
the properties along Langreek Road and will endeavour to complete them as quickly as possible.
If you have any further questions, please contact DCISenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.