A 32-mile diversion across the Tamar Bridge is still in place on the A390 whilst Devon County Council engineers are assessing damage to Newbridge near Gunnislake

The historic structure, which dates from 1520, is currently closed after being struck by a car. Loose coping stones from the damaged section have been taken down and scaffolding is likely to be erected to enable repairs to start as soon as possible.

Kevin Dentith, Devon County Council’s Chief Engineer for bridges and structures, said: ’We’re aware just how critical this route is on the Devon and Cornwall border, which is why we’ve ensured teams are on site as quickly as possible to start assessing the extent of the damage. We’ll have a better idea tomorrow how long repairs will take and how long the bridge will need to be closed. Public safety is our priority and while we will ensure that this historic structure is repaired sensitively we will also endeavour to re-open the bridge as quickly as possible.’Cornwall Council has shared this information about the diversion route and signposting.There is signing coming from Callington towards Gunnislake warning that the A390 is closed at Gunnislake. Traffic is then diverted at Sevenstones on the A390, around Kit Hill back to the A388, north up to Sheers Barton near Launceston and then east along B3362 to Greystone Bridge and back over the border to Devon.Overnight surfacing work is taking place on the A388 at St Mellion (not on the Gunnislake diversion route) and this is due to finish tomorrow night. Extra marshalls are being used to assist drivers and traffic as necessary.