Residents and commuters in parts of Plymouth are being advised to prepare for significant road closures and traffic restrictions lasting over four months, as essential gas infrastructure upgrades get underway. Plymouth City Council has approved a temporary traffic order to facilitate phased works by Wales & West Utilities.
Key Roads Affected by Driving Prohibitions and Parking Bans
The extensive scheme, focused on the Ford and Keyham areas near postcodes PL2 1HZ and PL4 0DA, will see a series of prohibitions enforced whenever official signs are displayed. The order comes into effect on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Several streets will be subject to a prohibition of driving during the works. The affected roads are:
- Lorrimore Avenue (its entire length)
- St Georges Terrace (between Ford Hill and Balmoral Avenue)
- Sturdee Road (from St Levan Road to Fullerton Road)
- Fisher Road (northbound at the St Georges Terrace junction)
- Ganges Road (northbound at the St Georges Terrace junction)
- Glenmore Avenue (entire length)
- Craigmore Avenue (from St Levan Road to St Georges Terrace)
- Welsford Avenue (entire length)
- Balmoral Avenue (entire length)
Additionally, a ban on parking, waiting, loading, and unloading will be in place on the following streets when signed:
- Lorrimore Avenue
- St Georges Terrace (full length)
- St Levan Road (between Ryder Road and Sturdee Road Lane)
- Glenmore Avenue
- Craigmore Avenue
- Welsford Avenue
- Balmoral Avenue
Timeline, Phasing, and Legal Powers
The utility company's project is scheduled to run 24 hours a day from its start on 5 January 2026, with a planned completion date of Friday, 22 May 2026. The works will be carried out in phases, meaning closures and restrictions will only apply where and when temporary signage indicates.
The council's order is made under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. While the active working window is set for early 2026, the legal order can remain in force for a maximum of 18 months if further work or reinstatement is necessary.
What This Means for Local Travel and Access
The scale of the gas mains works means disruption for the local area is inevitable. The council and Wales & West Utilities are urging people to take note of the following advice:
Motorists should plan extra time for journeys and consider using alternative routes, particularly around the key corridors of St Levan Road, Ford Hill, and Craigmore Avenue. Signed diversions will be in place, and instructions from on-site traffic management teams must be followed.
Bus users are advised to check directly with their service operators for any temporary changes to routes or bus stop locations in the vicinity during the works.
Residents and local businesses who have concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact Wales & West Utilities regarding the works programme itself, and Plymouth City Council for queries related to traffic management.
Full details of the order are available in the official public notice, published on the Public Notice Portal and in The Herald newspaper.
