We would like to inform all attendees that we have now been advised by Cormac and Cornwall Council that the roadworks at the Camel Viaduct on the A39 will remain in place for the duration of Offset Automotive Show 2026, taking place on Sunday 26th April at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre.

In previous communications, we had been informed on multiple occasions that the temporary traffic lights associated with these works would be removed ahead of the event. Based on this information, the approved traffic management plan for the show was developed without factoring in the traffic lights as a guaranteed precense - we have of course prepared for the fact that delays in the works may take place.

A Cormac representative provided this explanation: 

"Progress on the Camel Viaduct has continued since we last updated. Although somewhat affected by the persistent poor weather, a number of important activities have been completed. All waterproofing works were finished on 1st April, which is a key milestone for the scheme. Kerbing works then took place and were finished by the 9th, with gullies reinstated by 13th April and sub-surface drainage also installed.

We have experienced some challenges in sourcing the correct type of tarmac and as a result, the current programme shows that we will complete this phase of the project by 1st May 2026, when the temporary traffic lights will be removed.

We know the ongoing disruption is frustrating and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their continued patience and understanding while this important refurbishment is completed."

Following this latest update, we have formally requested assistance from Cormac to help reduce potential congestion on the day of the event. Specifically, we have asked whether the temporary traffic light system can be manned by Cormac staff and adjusted to allow for a more free-flowing westbound traffic movement (towards the event), helping to ease pressure around Ball Roundabout and improve overall vehicle flow into the venue. At this stage, this remains a request only and has not yet been confirmed Cormac or Cornwall Council.

While our official event routing does not officially instruct vehicles to travel via the A30 and/or Highgate Hill, or from the western approach, we strongly recommend that all attendees monitor live traffic updates via their preferred navigation apps before and also whilst travelling. Where possible, we also encourage pre-planning alternative routes that may avoid crossing the viaduct on the A39 altogether but NOT through Wadebridge town centre. Please avoid travelling through Wadebridge itself, and the "back-roads" as well. There will be NO ACCESS to the event via St Breock.

We would like to reassure all visitors that our new, revised, full traffic management plan has been carefully designed, professionally implemented, and formally approved by Cornwall Council, the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), and all relevant stakeholders. Significant improvements have been made for 2026, including the appointment of Traccis as our dedicated traffic management provider, to ensure a far more efficient and structured experience compared to previous years.

These viaduct works sit outside of our operational control and were not part of the agreed event plan. However, we are continuing to work collaboratively with all parties to achieve the best possible outcome for event day.

We will keep you updated with any further developments and continue to hope that we are given support on the day of the event by Cormac themselves.

TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CHANGES FOR 2026, FOLLOW THIS LINK: https://www.offsetuk.com/pages/traffic-management