Motorists and residents in Plymouth are being advised of a significant road closure set to take place on Normandy Hill early next year. Plymouth City Council has enacted a temporary traffic order that will prohibit all driving along a section of the road to allow for essential utility connection works by the National Grid.
Details of the Road Closure and Works
The legal order, formally titled The City of Plymouth (Normandy Hill) (Temporary Prohibition of Driving) Order 2026, was published on December 29, 2025. It was issued by the council's Director for Growth and announced via the Public Notice Portal and in The Herald newspaper.
The closure will affect Normandy Hill between Bridgelands Close and Vicarage Gardens, near the PL5 1LR postcode area. The heavy machinery and excavation required for the new utility connections mean the prohibition on driving must be in place 24 hours a day for the duration of the project.
Works are scheduled to begin on January 13, 2026, and are anticipated to last until January 20, 2026. The council's order officially comes into force on the start date and has a maximum permitted duration of up to 18 months, though the current works are expected to be completed within the stated eight-day window.
What Road Users and Residents Need to Know
The key point for drivers is that the temporary prohibition of driving will only be active when official traffic signs are displayed on site. When these signs are up, vehicle access along the closed section will be completely unavailable.
Local authorities are advising all drivers to:
- Allow considerable extra time for journeys in the area.
- Follow any signed diversion routes that will be established locally.
The impact extends beyond private vehicles. Bus services and scheduled waste collections may be subject to alterations. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check with their transport operator for updates, and residents should verify any changes to bin collection days with the council.
The published notice does not specify detailed arrangements for emergency access, resident access, or deliveries. The council advises that road users should refer to on-site signage for the most current information or contact the relevant authority directly for updates.
Who to Contact for More Information
For any enquiries specifically related to the National Grid utility works, the public should contact the promoter directly by calling 105. For questions regarding the traffic order itself, residents should use Plymouth City Council's standard customer service channels.
The council encourages anyone who believes they may be adversely affected by the closure to review the full public notice and make contact using the details provided. The original notice remains available for viewing on the Public Notice Portal online.
