Overview
Tamar Bridge is a critical strategic crossing between Devon and Cornwall, carrying around 40,000 vehicles per day. Operating within a tidal flow corridor, the bridge and the adjacent Saltash Tunnel rely on bi-directional lanes actively managed from a control room to ensure safety and traffic flow. In May 2025, REMOS was deployed as part of an urgent and temporary traffic management solution to support National Highways’ programme to replace and upgrade the tunnel management and tidal flow systems within the Saltash Tunnel. During the ongoing technology upgrade, the existing tidal flow lane control system was switched off in May 2025, necessitating a closure system for the tunnel that could be controlled remotely at the Tamar Bridge control. REMOS was introduced to restore safe operational control, allowing traffic to be stopped remotely and enabling works to continue safely.
The Challenge
The Tamar Bridge presents unique operational complexities:
- The bridge operates within a tidal flow system, where incidents or closures can have immediate network wide impacts.
- Following the tidal lane switch-off, there was no safe and effective way to stop traffic remotely during incidents
- Works to replace tunnel systems needed to take place safely, often overnight, while maintaining daytime traffic flow.
- Manual intervention would have reduced responsiveness and increased risk.
An incident in either the bridge or tunnel could quickly impact the entire corridor, highlighting the need for a reliable, centrally controlled stopping solution.
The Solution: REMOS
REMOS was selected to deliver remote traffic signal management, without reliance on permanent infrastructure, directly from the control room. Key aspects of the solution included:
- Four sets of REMOS enabled signals, deployed at strategic entry and exit points.
- Operation from the Saltash Tunnel control room, managed by Plymouth City Council.
- Use of the SRL Control Hub, integrated with the control room’s existing CCTV cameras.
The signals remain on green during most daytime operations and are switched to red when required. This enables crews to stop traffic entering the bridge and tunnel safely in either direction, as and when required.
REMOS enabled operators to:
- Safely stop traffic at either end of the bridge and tunnel.
- Respond quickly to incidents, breakdowns, and planned works.
- Maintain operational control.
Implementation & Innovation
Tamar Bridge presented a unique use case.
Key challenges included radio communication issues across the bridge and tunnel environment, and the need to minimise battery exchanges, (as full traffic management is required to safely access equipment).
These challenges were overcome through targeted engineering solutions which included the installation of coaxial cables over the bore of each Saltash Tunnel access. This improved communication resilience and reduced the need for disruptive maintenance interventions.
Results & Operational Impact
REMOS is now a key operational tool across the Tamar Bridge and Saltash Tunnel. It is routinely used 2-3 times per week to manage incidents, vehicle breakdowns and planned roadworks.
This regular deployment underscores REMOS’ value as an integral part of the traffic management operations while the new tidal flow lane control system was installed and tested.
The site is busy most days and nights, with traffic pressures increasing seasonally. Its deployment provides, most crucially, faster and safer incident response (keeping traffic moving), and greater confidence for control room supervisors. It reduces risk to operational staff and enhances control access over a vital transport corridor. REMOS has enabled National Highways and its contractors to continue works safely while keeping traffic moving wherever possible.
Conclusion
The Tamar Bridge deployment showcases REMOS as a flexible and innovative traffic management solution, capable of supporting complex tidal flow environments and high volume strategic routes. Through collaboration and technical adaptation, Tamar Crossings has strengthened safety, visibility, and operational resilience across one of the Southwest’s most important crossings
“REMOS has given us greater confidence and control when managing incidents across the bridge and tunnel, helping us keep traffic moving safely on a critical route. The REMOS team have also always been helpful and friendly, providing excellent support whenever we’ve had questions or needed assistance.”
Client feedback Coral Jonas, Tamar CrossingsSimple or complex, we have the solution.
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