A key section of Plymouth's A386 Tavistock Road will be reduced to one lane for several weeks as part of the ambitious £45 million Woolwell to The George junction improvement scheme. This project, aimed at easing one of the city’s worst traffic bottlenecks, has already led to severe congestion, especially during rush hours.

The affected stretch will see the construction of a new toucan crossing—a signal-controlled crossing designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. According to Plymouth City Council, the lane reduction will start from Monday, April 28, with traffic management systems put in place the night before.

The council stated: 'This will involve reducing a short section of the outbound side of Tavistock Road to one lane until the summer. The lane closure will protect the workforce as we construct the new crossing, improve drainage, and work on the central reservation.'

Work is progressing on the first phase between Woolwell Roundabout and Belliver Roundabout, with all major utility diversions completed. Construction continues at the Woolwell Crescent junction.

Additionally, a retaining wall is being built on the east side of Tavistock Road, near the Tesco Extra store, to make room for a two-way segregated cycle track. Future plans include installing permanent crossing signals and new street lighting along Woolwell Road, with works scheduled for June—to be carried out overnight to minimize traffic disruption.

Preparations for Phase Two of the project, which will widen Tavistock Road and replace Woolwell Roundabout with a signalized junction, are also underway. The council is exploring ways to preserve some existing trees and reduce the project’s environmental impact.

The entire scheme is part of a broader plan to improve transport links in northern Plymouth, where around 4,400 new homes are planned—including 2,000 in the Woolwell Urban Extension. The development also includes a new district shopping centre in Derriford, expected to bring increased traffic along the route.

However, residents have expressed frustration. Local MP Rebecca Smith highlighted public dissatisfaction, stating it can take up to 45 minutes to travel from Crownhill to Woolwell. She wrote to council leader Tudor Evans, warning that 'patience is wearing thin' among motorists.

Residents have reported long standstills in both directions, with some noting it can take 30 minutes to travel a distance that should take less than four.