THE closure of the A391 main road in St Austell for most of May is set to have a big impact.

Major resurfacing work will begin on the busy route on Tuesday, May 6, and last for more than three weeks.

Cornwall Council has planned diversion routes in the town from which vehicles will be banned from parking at certain times between May 6 and May 30.

Clearway zones will be in force on Treverbyn Road, Slades Road, Tregonissey Road and Truro Road with parking prohibited from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 9.30am and between 2.30pm and 6pm. Further clearway zones may be introduced if needed.

A spokesperson for the project said: “Given the importance of the A391, we know the project will disrupt local traffic. Please be assured that we have developed plans prioritising safety and efficiency while ensuring they are the least disruptive possible.

“The project could not begin until the A30 St Austell link road was substantially completed and works need to be completed before May 30 to prevent overlap with other planned works in St Austell. Delaying the project could result in significant setbacks, which is not a viable option given the current condition of the A391.

“We understand parking is important, however, implementing the clearway zones will help maintain smooth traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks and minimise delays throughout the town during the road closure.

“Households and businesses affected by these changes will receive prior notification and signs will be installed to inform road users of the parking restrictions.

“Some vehicles may block these zones despite our efforts. Our team will try to contact the vehicle owners before requesting removal. If necessary, an approved contractor will tow and safely relocate any obstructing vehicles. Vehicles parked in these zones during restricted hours may be towed at the owner’s expense.”

Weight restrictions will be in place to stop heavy vehicles using the clearway routes in the town and the police have been asked to enforce these restrictions. The official diversion for heavy vehicles is via Bodmin.

The A391 is being closed between the Scredda roundabout and Holmbush Road for resurfacing as part of Live Labs 2, a highway maintenance and improvement initiative partly funded by the Department for Transport.

Under the scheme, Cornwall Council secured funding to test new materials and methods for reducing carbon emissions in highway maintenance operations.

The project will be using a surfacing material called Milepave, a grouted macadam with a lower stone content which is said to offer greater longevity when compared with conventional asphalt.

Meanwhile, a heavy-duty surface product called Hardipave will be placed on the roundabouts on the hilly stretch of road.

The outcomes will be monitored and evaluated in the following years.

Alongside the resurfacing work, safety improvements will include the installation of solar road studs and the adjustment of the kerb alignment on roundabout approaches.

Contractor Cormac says the work may generate a moderate level of noise and to minimise disruption the noisiest operations will be carried out during the day.