Saltash Tunnel

Infobox tunnel
name = Saltash Tunnel

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caption = The Eastern portal of the Saltash Tunnel.
line =
location = Before the Tamar Bridge, Saltash, Cornwall, UK
coordinates =
system =
status = Active
start =
end =
stations =
open = 1988
owner = Highways Agency
operator = Highways Agency
character =
linelength = 410m
tracklength =
notrack =
gauge =
el =
speed = 30mph
hielevation =
lowelevation= |The Saltash Tunnel is a road tunnel on the A38 at Saltash in Cornwall, UK.

Opened in 1988, it is the only 3-lane road tunnel in Europe. [ [http://www.fsdl.co.uk/user_files/images/bodyText_images/SALTASH.pdf FDSL renovation project entry] ] The central lane operates as a reversible lane to cope with holiday traffic and the speed limit is 30mph. [ [http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/dcsc/news/archive/News090303.htm Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership news article] ] The tunnel is used by more than 38,000 motorists per day and is 410m long. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6161190.stm BBC news article on tunnel] ] It was designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson, built by Balfour Beatty, and has a design life of at least 100 years. [ [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030617/debtext/30617-40.htm#30617-40_spmin0 Hansard text of tunnel debate] ]

Construction

During construction of the tunnel a problem was encountered with flooding due to the saturation of the surrounding rocks. The resultant flow of water was channeled through the tunnel, hidden by a decorative cladding. Within a few months this cladding had begun to crack and water entered the part of the tunnel reserved for traffic; although no structural problems were found the water staining on the cladding gave the impression of a poorly built tunnel. [ [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo030617/debtext/30617-39.htm Hansard record of parliamentary debate] ] This was commented upon in parliament by the local MP, Colin Breed, and a £7.4 million renovation project was contracted to Skanska to provide for a new tunnel lining and improvements to the electric system. [ [http://www.skanska.co.uk/files/STL/Saltash_Tunnel.pdf Skanska renovation project entry] ]

ee also

*List of tunnels in the United Kingdom

References