NATIONAL Highways has warned Saltash drivers of an overnight closure and diversion as work takes place on the Tamar Bridge approach.

The eastbound on-slip onto the Tamar Bridge from Saltash will be closed from 12.30am to 3.30am on Friday, October 2, while engineers update the rotating prism signage on the approaches to the bridge and Saltash Tunnel.

A short diversion will be in place via North Road and Carkeel.

The work is part of an extensive programme to update technology in and around Saltash Tunnel, aimed at keeping journeys safe and reliable and reducing the risk of unplanned closures.

As part of the arrangements, the tunnel will reopen earlier than usual at 12.30am on Friday, rather than 6am.

National Highways is advising motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

The overnight work is separate from the regular tunnel closures which are continuing from Monday to Thursday between 7.30pm and 6am.

Those closures are expected to continue until the end of the year as part of the wider technology upgrade programme.

National Highways said it understood the overnight closures were resulting in additional traffic on local roads and apologised to residents for the disruption.

Drivers are also being warned that work dates and arrangements may change at short notice due to weather conditions or operational reasons.