Two-way traffic lights on the road outside a popular pub in Cornwall are “causing mayhem” according to frustrated commuters – who are unlikely to even see anyone working there for a while.

The lights – which have been dubbed a “nightmare” by at least one motorist – are on the A39 near the Norway Inn at Stickenbridge, between Perranarworthal and Treluswell roundabout, on the way to Penryn.

Cornwall Council has put up the lights to aid investigation work into why water is flowing onto the road and near Mylor Bridge, and making the highway dangerous for drivers.

The traffic lights, which were originally due to be in place until November 17, are causing long queues in both directions. Cornwall Council posted on social media on Tuesday afternoon that they will have to remain in place “for at least the next few days due to excess ground water making the road surface unsafe”.

The statement added: “Our highways team has visited the site to identify an urgent solution. In the meantime, we have workers there to manage traffic. Please avoid the area if possible as there are significant delays in both directions.”

Adding to the frustration, some drivers have complained there isn't even anyone working on the site – which the council has now addressed in a statement.

The council  issued an update this morning (Wednesday, November 15) saying: "The issue relates to excess ground water discharging from an underground service, which is coming up through the road surface, making it dangerous.

"We are working towards identifying an urgent solution to the problem but, until this is confirmed, you may not see workers on site, apart from those managing traffic.

"Once agreed we will implement the urgent remedial measures and have the road reopened fully as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience and will update you as soon as we can.”


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The original post was met with anger and frustration by a number of drivers. Matthew Paine said: “[It] doesn’t help when the diversion route through Ponsanooth has traffic lights too. Causing mayhem.” Amy Champion responded: “Really great when you’re also doing roadworks on the ‘alternative routes’ – complete chaos.”

Angela Magee wrote: “I took 50 minutes to do my normal 15-minute commute to work this morning. Thankfully I have understanding employers who are also badly affected by these traffic delays.”

She tagged Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor asking her if anything could be done to ease the chaos. Cllr Taylor replied: “I have asked for an update, will advise.”

Angela reflected the comments of a number of people who commented that they hadn’t seen anyone working at the site: “It must be especially terrible for people anxious to attend medical appointments and important meetings.

"Everyone would be far more understanding if we could see somebody actually repairing the road.” Her comment appears to have been addressed by the council’s update this morning.

Danielle Pascoe said: “Cornwall Council, it’s a nightmare for people getting to work and school. The traffic lights are causing even more congestion, after the traffic calming by the Norway Inn it leads to cars backing up from Carnon Downs to Treluswell. Plus there’s road works in Ponsanooth so you can’t really avoid it!”

James Luke Tresidder wrote: “The point is that you CAN’T avoid it if you commute that way, without going through tiny villages that have had their speed limits changed to 20mph.”

Linda Jacobsen added: “There are regular floods on the roads in the same places all over, why has a permanent fix not been found? They are dangerous especially at night and for people who don’t know the roads," while Gary Cocking-Caff pointed out: “Hopefully a solution will be found before the weekend closure of the A30!”