DRIVERS in and around Bude are being told to expect delays following the introduction of emergency road works.

Cornwall Highways has notified Bude-Stratton Town Council that urgent repair works will be carried out to the retaining wall on The Strand in Bude from June 2.

One lane and the footway on the river side will be closed for approximately three weeks. Traffic management will be in place, and drivers are being warned that longer journey times are likely and as such, those travelling should plan ahead.

The Environment Agency recently reported cracking and subsidence in the retaining wall that supports The Strand highway. This wall also functions as a flood defence for the lower section of the road.

To address this issue, an emergency works package has been approved, allowing for necessary repairs both within the river and on the highway. This will help protect properties and businesses while reducing the risk of flooding.

The repairs will focus on an eight-metre section of the wall and will necessitate the closure of the footway as well as a lane on the river side of The Strand for deliveries and to create a safe working area. The site team will install signage to help pedestrians cross safely and manage traffic flows.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 2, with resources having been redirected for this purpose. The timeline for the project is dependent on tidal and weather conditions, and we estimate that it will take approximately three weeks to complete.