UK Travel Chaos: Major Cornwall Arterial Route Severed in “Total Blockage” Near St Austell, What Travellers Need To Know

St Austell residents and long-distance travelers are currently navigating a paralyzed transport network today (6th February) following a serious vehicle collision on the A391 St Austell Road. The incident has resulted in the total closure of this vital highway in both directions, specifically affecting the stretch of road between the rural settlements of Bilberry and Fairview.

Data provided by official traffic monitoring systems and government-affiliated road reports indicate that the blockage is extensive. The affected area spans from the heart of Bilberry through to the Bodwen turn-off located at Lockengate. Digital mapping platforms confirm that long-tail queues have formed, with transit speeds reduced to a standstill as the primary link between the south coast and the A30 is severed.

Detailed Breakdown of the Road Closure

The A391 is a critical piece of infrastructure for Mid-Cornwall, serving as the main gateway for freight and passenger vehicles entering and exiting St Austell. According to emergency service protocols, the road has been cordoned off to ensure a safe working environment for first responders.

Current reports from the scene suggest that the collision occurred during a period of high traffic volume, exacerbating the resulting congestion. The blockage at the Fairview junction is particularly problematic, as this intersection serves as a primary feeder for local traffic heading toward the northern parts of the county. National Highways and Cornwall Council’s traffic management centers are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the “red” congestion levels visible on traffic sensors indicate that the backlog is impacting secondary roads in the vicinity.

Emergency Response and Site Management

While the specific mechanics of the collision have not been detailed in a formal police statement, the response typically involves multiple agencies. Devon and Cornwall Police are responsible for securing the perimeter and conducting an initial investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

When a major A-road like the A391 is blocked in both directions, the recovery process involves several distinct phases:

1. Medical and Safety Assessment: Evaluating all parties involved and securing the vehicles to prevent fire or chemical leaks.
2. Forensic Investigation: Documenting the site to ensure all legal and safety standards are met, especially if there is damage to public property or highway infrastructure.
3. Debris Clearance: Professional recovery teams must remove the disabled vehicles and any debris from the tarmac to ensure it is safe for high-speed travel.
4. Highway Integrity Check: Cornwall Council contractors may be required to inspect the road surface or nearby barriers before the route can officially be reopened to the public.

Regional Impact and Diversionary Routes

The closure of the A391 St Austell Road has created a significant ripple effect throughout the Cornish road network. With the primary route between St Austell and Lockengate unavailable, traffic is being diverted onto narrow rural lanes that are not designed for heavy vehicle volume.

Official advice for motorists currently in the St Austell area is to seek alternative primary routes. These include:

• The A390: For those traveling toward Liskeard or East Cornwall.
• The A38: As a broader alternative for those heading toward the Plymouth area.
• The A30: Drivers are advised to access the A30 via alternative junctions, avoiding the Bodwen turn-off entirely.

Public transport users should also anticipate delays. Local bus operators frequently utilize the A391 for services connecting St Austell to Bodmin and the surrounding villages. These services are currently being diverted or held, which may lead to significant scheduling gaps.

Future Outlook and Safety Reminders

Government transport officials have not yet provided a specific “time to clear” for the A391 incident. The complexity of clearing a multi-vehicle collision, combined with the necessity of a thorough safety sweep, means the road could remain closed for several hours.

The public is reminded that driving through a closed road or moving police cones is a legal offense and poses a danger to the recovery teams on site. Local authorities have expressed their gratitude for the patience shown by the community as they work to restore the flow of traffic.

For those who require the most recent updates, the Cornwall Council transport Twitter feed and the National Highways regional alerts page remain the most reliable sources for real-time information.

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