A ROAD used by thousands of drivers will be completely shut down for six weeks within days, with locals slamming the plans.
Motorists, bus services and even pedestrians will be affected are set to be affected by the lengthy closure.
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The local council announced the restrictions would come into force to allow “soil nailing and piling” work to be carried out safely.
This is where highway maintenance workers reinforce natural banks along roadsides with metal rods.
It is done to stop the banks from sliding down into the road, which would be hazardous for drivers.
Unfortunately, it does mean that the affected roads will have to be sealed off completely.
The closures will be in force 24 hours a day including weekends to keep workers safe.
No traffic will be allowed on the A387 Polperro Road in Looe between the junction with Quay Road and North Road.
North Road will also be closed between the junction with the A387 and West Road in order to complete emergency repairs on a roadside wall.
The closures will also partially include Looe Bridge, which will have two-way traffic lights set up to manage the traffic in the town.
A diversion route will take drivers over West Looe Hill to skirt around the closures and rejoin the A387 on the other side.
The restrictions are set to come into force at 7am on Monday, November 4.
They will then last until 11.59 pm on Friday, December 20.
The plans have already prompted backlash from locals, who claim it will cause too much disruption.
One resident wrote on Facebook: “No thought gone into this for business or local people.
“Close it at night [and have] traffic lights in the day.”
Another added: “I think this might be one of those situations where it has to happen and be chaotic/gridlocked before people are listened to and sensible actions taken.”
Not only will the closures back up traffic, but they will also disrupt public transport.
The local bus operator has confirmed that the number 10, 73 and 73A services will all terminate early, stopping short of Polperro, for the duration of the works.
Likewise, the 77 bus will serve Polperro but will not extend to Looe as it normally would.
“We are looking at all options to ensure minimal traffic disruption
Cornwall Council
However, there are a couple of exceptions to the shutdowns.
School and Callywith College bus services will be allowed to operate as normal, while the roads will also be open for emergency access.
And officials say they will work with the contractor to ensure that the traditional walking lantern parade for the Christmas light switch-on, scheduled for November 29, can go ahead safely.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “This project aims to prevent future collapse and ensure the highway is in safe, serviceable condition and open to traffic.
“A road closure will be necessary to carry out the work.
“This is scheduled to be in place from Monday 4th November to Friday 20 December.
“We understand that this may cause some disruption during the half-term period and want to assure you that we are looking at all options to ensure minimal traffic disruption.
“We recognise the challenges the businesses face and are fully committed to doing all we can to support the business community’s interests while these essential safety operations take place.”
